It has been a gradual decline, as of last week Mom is only swallowing a few spoons of soft food, with tiering coaching. She is chewing her pills and liquid due to the vascular dementia. I have increased her Ensures. She still consumes her water. I am concerned if I take her to the hospital.. you know the rest. It's been a couple of years since she has been admitted to the hospital, when she comes out she is physically worse then when she went in. Either of my 3, older in age, siblings have assisted me. I have called and said my body is so tired, I need your help..one sister caneled the day prior and was a no show the following month, still no help. I will not be calling only to have them drain me of questions and meaningless tears. They will see her when God takes her at the mortuary.
My dad went through a period where he just wasn't eating and we added Ensure to his diet three times daily, which really helped him.
But in the case of very frail, elderly people nearing the end of life, I can't help thinking what's the point - unless the person actively likes these drinks, of course. If your mother would prefer her favourite flavour of ice cream and full-sugar Coke - or a glass of Champagne, come to that - why not let her enjoy those instead? Enjoyment has to become top priority, I feel, with calories a bonus.