Alzheimer's and feeding tube

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Does anyone here have experience with this? My mom has alzheimer’s and I know the time will come for me to make a decision about a feeding tube. On the one hand, I contacted the American Life League and they responded:

"When a person’s body can no longer assimilate (absorb) food and fluids, they no longer nourish or hydrate the patient and discontinuing them will not cause the patient to die of starvation or dehydration. The patient will die of natural causes. In such a case, discontinuing their administration is both medically indicated and morally appropriate.

People who are in the last few hours or days of life sometimes do not benefit form food and fluids, but many do benefit. Alzheimer’s patients are no different. A person dies as his/her organs fail (stop functioning), usually one or more at a time. What will benefit an individual patient depends on her condition. All patients are individuals with their own needs and problems. Medical decisions must be made based on what will benefit the patient."

My issue is that all the alzheimer’s message boards are against tube feeding for alzheimer’s. My girlfirend’s mom got a feeding tube and she is lingering on for about two years. Is this what we are morally obligated to do? Please let me have any advice.

How can you know if they are assimilating food unless you insert the tube? then can it be removed???

thanks all.

Barring kidney failure or other problem with assimilation- why NOT try a feeding tube and see if it helps? And, of course, a feeding tube does not necessarily need to be implanted right away. Nasogastric tubes or Dobhoff tubes (very small and comfortable) can be placed. Furthermore, such tubes can make giving medications much easier."
 
maybe you should talk to your priest and see what he says. I really don’t have experience here, but I’ll pray for you.
 
We are not allowed to give medical advice…but…I will tell you what I did with my grandmother who had dementia and eventually hardly ate anything…I actually knew before she lost her faculties that she did not want a tube feed…she told me exactly that…so when the time came to that decision, I knew what to do…We still tried to feed her and we got some of those nutritional drinks in her…but eventually she died…in her sleep …peacefully…
 
marypar said:
Does anyone here have experience with this? My mom has alzheimer’s and I know the time will come for me to make a decision about a feeding tube…
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As already mentioned, we cannot give medical advice, but we can talk about morality.

While it certainly is not moral to deny people food and water, if an elderly person doesn’t want to eat, I don’t think it’s alway moral to force-feed them either. My personal preference is to feed people–and I think that is the moral thing to do under most situations, but sometimes for various reasons the feedings may not be well tolerated. I have experience with a person who was physically incapable of eating due to illness (not confused and refusing to eat but physically unable to eat). That person lived several more years on a feeding tube. I also have experience with an older, confused relative who pulled out a feeding tube. That happens sometimes, and hospital and nursing staff sometimes deal with persons who pull out feeding tubes by restraining the person’s hands. These are difficult situations and sometimes very difficult decisions with no clear-cut answers.

Jesus tells us to feed the hungry. If your mom is hungry, try to feed her by whatever means. If she’s not hungry and not eating, discuss the situation with her doctors as well as a good priest or religious/moral advisor to determine the best course of action under the specific circumstances.

My prayers for you as you help care for your mother. I know how difficult it is to watch parents grow old and get sick. While these are difficult times, they are also great times that can produce much good spiritual fruit. Again, my prayers for you and your mother.:gopray:
 
The National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC) has some guidance on end of life issues here: (ncbcenter.org/eol.asp).

Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, Ora Pro Nobis Peccatoribus **Nunc Et In Hora Mortis Nostrae!
**( Holy Mary, Pray for us sinners now and in the hour of our deaths!)

mark
 
Personally I think the best thing to do is leave this in God’s hands,

I work with Alzheimer patients every day and they go through a period of ups and downs all the time. However, once they start to decline they usually stop eating and drinking "on thier own". You can try to encourage them but don’t force it. Thats the " natural" way of your body starting to shut down. Putting feeding tubes and other artifical means are just prolonging the enevitable. Alzheimer patients dont get better. I have personally seen the peace and comfort in a person when they are allowed to die in peace. It is like being born you are now going through another part of your journey and what God has in store for you.
I have also seen the painful way of patients dieing when we keep forcing them to eat and drink and you can see it on thier face before and after they have passed away. Its just not peaceful nor what I think God intended.

I believe the Catholic church also says that we should not use artifical means unless there is a chance of recovery. Or, if the artifical means have already been in place then to leave it be.
 
I have just lived through what you are now experiencing. It is really tough. I was the Contact person for my Mom’s health. She was in a nursing home for 11 years. In the last year she really declined and refused to eat some of the time and would get better and really want to eat. Well I did decide for the feeding tube and believe it or not she liked having the tube. She didn’t want to go yet but just didn’t want to eat. I cannot give anyone any advise about their specific situation but here is what I now feel.
Last week my Mom died and was buried. I can look back with a clear conscience knowing full well that I did everything possible for her. My sister and I visited her everyday for the last 6 months when she was really sick, as well as weekly visits before as well as daily phone calls.
Ultimately it is up to you, I decided to go all out for my moms life and am so glad I did.
Peace be with you at this difficult time, believe me I know hard your life is right now.
 
Kristine1957 said:
I believe the Catholic church also says that we should not use artifical means unless there is a chance of recovery. Or, if the artifical means have already been in place then to leave it be.
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This is not what the Church teaches. What the Church teaches is that ordinary means must always be used if they do not cause harm to the patient, but extraordinary means may be refused or discontinued if the burden is grave. The burden includes financial.

So, say a person is in a long-term coma and on a ventilator. The ventilator may be discontinued; if however the person is only on a feeding tube, then that may not be discontinued.

The upshot of what the Church teaches is that the patient needs to die of the medical problem or treatment, not as a side-effect of lack of care. Terri Schiavo, for example, died of dehydration and starvation, not from her injuries. Conversely, if the level of pain-killer needed to keep a *dying *person out of pain rises to the level where the dosage can be fatal, that would be all right.
 
marypar said:
Does anyone here have experience with this? My mom has alzheimer’s and I know the time will come for me to make a decision about a feeding tube. On the one hand, I contacted the American Life League and they responded:

"When a person’s body can no longer assimilate (absorb) food and fluids, they no longer nourish or hydrate the patient and discontinuing them will not cause the patient to die of starvation or dehydration. The patient will die of natural causes. In such a case, discontinuing their administration is both medically indicated and morally appropriate.

People who are in the last few hours or days of life sometimes do not benefit form food and fluids, but many do benefit. Alzheimer’s patients are no different. A person dies as his/her organs fail (stop functioning), usually one or more at a time. What will benefit an individual patient depends on her condition. All patients are individuals with their own needs and problems. Medical decisions must be made based on what will benefit the patient."

My issue is that all the alzheimer’s message boards are against tube feeding for alzheimer’s. My girlfirend’s mom got a feeding tube and she is lingering on for about two years. Is this what we are morally obligated to do? Please let me have any advice.
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You are obligated to feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty. If the patient benefits from food and water, they need to be given the food and water; it is only when they *no longer benefit *that they can be stopped.

From what you have said, it seems that your friend’s mother is still benefitting from the food she is receiving; she is not “lingering on,” she is living. In these situations, without the feeding tube patients would get no nourishment and would die of starvation (or faster from dehydration if liquids were stopped). People need to die of what’s killing them or the *medical care *of what’s killing them, not from something else or lack of care.
How can you know if they are assimilating food unless you insert the tube? then can it be removed???
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The tube can only be removed when the patient’s body no longer can assimilate the nourishment, which is when the organs start shutting down and stop working. The doctors will be able to tell you whether she can benefit from a feeding tube as well as when she will no longer benefit.

My sympathies on this illness of your mother’s.
 
Mike_Dye said:
…Last week my Mom died and was buried. …
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My condolences on the recent loss of your mother.

Eternal rest grant unto her oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace, amen.
 
My dying 90+ yr old father had been on IV fluids for a few weeks, but when they discovered he developed kidney failure, (he also had pneumonia) the doctor had to drastically slow down the rate as his heart was literally drowning in the fluids. He died the next day. This was a tough call but be aware that the IV’s aren’t always the most prolonging-of-life mechanisms.
 
St_Francis said:
This is not what the Church teaches. What the Church teaches is that ordinary means must always be used if they do not cause harm to the patient, but extraordinary means may be refused or discontinued if the burden is grave. The burden includes financial.

So, say a person is in a long-term coma and on a ventilator. The ventilator may be discontinued; if however the person is only on a feeding tube, then that may not be discontinued.

The upshot of what the Church teaches is that the patient needs to die of the medical problem or treatment, not as a side-effect of lack of care. Terri Schiavo, for example, died of dehydration and starvation, not from her injuries. Conversely, if the level of pain-killer needed to keep a *dying *person out of pain rises to the level where the dosage can be fatal, that would be all right.
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The upshot of what the Church teaches is that the patient needs to die of the medical problem or treatment, not as a side-effect of lack of care
Click to expand...
I agree totally with what you say here. My father at the age of 63 in 1996 became tragically injured as result of falling from a rickety ladder in our parish bell tower.
Fully paralyzed from head to toe and and unable to breath on his own due to the severity of spinal injuries; he survived for eleven years with his full intellectual faculties intact in our home on full ventilator and the tender loving care of special nurses, respiratory technicians, and the love of our family. Though he was able to eat lightly at times, most times he was fed Jevity by stomach feeding tube. My father passed away at the age of 74, Christmas 2007.

My youngest brother Dan age 41 is terminally ill with A.L.S. (“Lou Gehrig’s Disease”).
Married to a wonderful wife and two children his body strength is withering away losing all electrical impulses to his muscles and limbs. Eventually; he will die when the disease paralyzes his lungs or heart, but before that he will need to be ventilated and fed by a stomach tube. But until his final breath he will survive on prayers and the love of his family. Who ever said Life was easy ? We all need our Beloved God in our lives.
 
St_Francis said:
This is not what the Church teaches. What the Church teaches is that ordinary means must always be used if they do not cause harm to the patient, but extraordinary means may be refused or discontinued if the burden is grave. The burden includes financial.

Your right I just didn’t say it very well.

So, say a person is in a long-term coma and on a ventilator. The ventilator may be discontinued; if however the person is only on a feeding tube, then that may not be discontinued.

I totally agree with you

The upshot of what the Church teaches is that the patient needs to die of the medical problem or treatment, not as a side-effect of lack of care. Terri Schiavo, for example, died of dehydration and starvation, not from her injuries. Conversely, if the level of pain-killer needed to keep a *dying *person out of pain rises to the level where the dosage can be fatal, that would be all right.
Click to expand...
 
(((((Mary)))))…you asked if anyone had experience with this- I was the fulltime caregiver for my (((mother))) during her journey with Alzheimers for ten years…I kept her with me and we were both blessed for the experience…it is a difficult journey but know your (((mom))) is highly blessed for carrying this burden- Alzheimers is not just about the individual- it is about the people around them and how they step up to each situation-how they get over their own ego when they are no longer recognized and about learning to love the person for who they are-not for how we want them to be-their spirit is fully in tact-it is only their bodies and minds that are regressing… when an alzheimers patient stops eating- it is because they get to a point that they don’t remember what a spoon or fork or straw is and how to use them-and if they won’t wear their dentures any longer it’s because they see no reason to put those uncomfortable plastic things in their mouths-it’s not because they aren’t hungry or thirsty… actually alzheimers patients will eat and eat and eat if you keep putting food infront of them - you just have to make it interesting- and you have to eat with them and help them by example- keep them involved trying to help themselves-I can’t tell you how many times my mother had to relearn how to use utensils-the brain is an amazing thing- it works very hard to re-route messages if it is kept stimulated… big piece kid puzzles etc- movies that are appropriate to whatever age she believes she is at the time will all make this journey she is on easier for both of you…my mother loved dancing(she was in a wheelchair for the last half of her journey)- so old Fred Astaire movies and musicals were wonderful- also the Wizard of Oz and White Christmas were favorites- she watched them over and over again and each time they brought smiles to her face… in the beginning of the disease it started out she was my mother and I was taking care of her- then I became her mother and ultimately I was the person taking care of her until her momma was coming to get her-that’s how she processed who I was in her life for each stage of her life-and when she passed she was a very happy 3 year old little girl with few words, but a very loving heart…meet each new challenge head on-it is just a problem if you make it one… nutrition shakes wiil help with the calorie deficits and vitamins and minerals she needs- I’m not talking about the grocery store variety- I’m talking about the health food store weight gainers that you mix with ice cream and milk in a blender… if she is having trouble with chewing and swallowing meat etc- a food processer and a little mayonnaise makes that much easier and she still gets the tastes she loves… my mother loved cereal-so letting it soften up in milk worked for her- eggs are good(brain food) add a little cheese and shaved ham for taste… blueberry muffins, pie, cakes, and especially different flavors of ice cream- her world needs to become sensory for her to respond…and when all is said and done…and it becomes painfully evident that you are running a race you can’t win- you do what God impressed on my heart throughout the journey…live in the moment… that’s the lesson of Alzheimers- cherish each moment and make the most of it- and when it’s her time- she will just go because her “momma” will be there with angels to take her home… that’s God’s schedule- in the meantime you do everything you can to make her time here comfortable- you won’t need a feeding tube if you keep it interesting for her and surround her with patience and love so she trusts and loves back- it’s a primordial need to suckle- if she has to be fed through a baby bottle-do it…My thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom…(((((hugs)))))) God Bless
 
((((((Mike Dye))))))))… Bless your heart for reaching out to help at this difficult time for you…I’m sorry for the loss of your dear mom…((((hugs)))))
 
JCnMe:
Your post touched my heart and thank you for your kindness.
My mom is living with my brothers and their wives on a monthly rotation. Right now I think she is in the last stage as she doesn’t know who anybody is, or where she is, doesn’t know where the bathroom is in the house she lived in for fifty years, she needs bathroom assistance and wears a diaper. On the plus side, she still eats alot, goes with us to restaurants and eats good, and she is still walking good and on her own and she doesn’t want a walker.

I am just worried about the future and making decisions about end of life care. The American Life League wasn’t clear on the issue with regard to alzheimer’s but said a blood test can determine if they are assimilating food.

They also said most Catholic priests will not give me the right choice to make re: the feeding tube, that is why I will be contacting the BioEthics group if necessary.

The way I feel right now is that she will get the feeding tube and if that prolongs her journey that means it was meant for her to live those extra years.

Please pray for my mom Nancy who is a tiny little adorable 88 year old who was a loving mother to three children and lost her husband two years ago (and thankfully never mourned him as she didn’t know who she was living with). And please pray for my brothers and sisters-in-law who are caring for her and give them strength.

If they cannot continue caring for her, she will be going into a nursing home. I don’t know how I will handle that.

And thank you for all the other wonderful people who answered my post.

maryann
 
(((((maryann))))…honey- your mom is in good shape… if she doesn’t know exactly who everyone is-she does know they are familiar-same as the house and her belongings… sit her down and talk to her-ask her who you are and how old she is- let her talk and tell you about her life-do this often- she won’t remember each time you do this-but it will give you a sense of “where” she is at age wise-and then do things that will spark memories of her life at that age, movies , pictures, toys…don’t correct her- she needs to get some sense of security for each level she is at-a sense of control…love her for who she is at the time- your((mom))) is leaving you in stages and the mom who raised you has left…mourn her- but love the person she is now and the insights into the person you never knew at different ages in her life…she will do much better with people who love her than at an institution… diapers and bathing and bathroom duty are just part of it- but understand you have angels in the room with you to help…I had to lift my mother and she was not able to help much transfer her from bed to chair to car etc- but I was able to do it - I know Angels helped me lift her… one thing -keep the diapers but- I noticed was she was only incontinent when she was dehydrated-so don’t let anyone tell you it’s all just part of the aging/disease process- an iv of fluids for a couple hours if it seems like she is losing too much fluid can make a world of difference in how she feels and her care…also you may want to check this- B12 insufficiency mimics alzheimers-so have her blood checked… other than that don’t spend one more moment of her life worrying about her death- live in the moment- cherish the time you still have with her…things move very quickly if they become ill- so you have to be on top of it- we ended up in the emergency room several times- and each time I was asked about if they should help her-and each time I said that’s between her and God- you do whatever you can to help her and if she doesn’t make it-THEN I know it was a decision she made…and not a lack of responsible care…my mother aspirated(she sneezed while eating and coughed) and pneumonia happened very quickly and she was very ill -but she pulled through and her vital signs were excellent-most people thought I would just transfer her to a nursing home because she was very weak-(and afterall she was terminal they always reminded me) but I knew if she had any chance at all of getting her strength back-and even if she didn’t after everything we’d been through- if she was going to go she would want to go in her room with her pretty ceiling light(that’s how she knew she was home) I got her home…she slept better than she had the whole time she was in the hospital and the next morning she was wide awake and smiling- and it flashed through my mind that " she would never leave me unless her mom and dad would come to get her"… and at that moment she closed her eyes and was gone… I knew she had said goodbye intuitively(we had gotten very good with that kind of communication) and let me know she was with her “momma” … so (((honey))) do the best you can for her in your own situation and understand that she is never alone- she has angels around her and when it 's time to go let it be in God’s time and not because she was denied care…my prayers are with you and your family (((((hugs))))) God Bless
 
My mom also has alzheimer’s and I never thought about it, but my mom wouldn’t want tubes inserted to feed her just because we don’t want them to leave us. I know it would be hard to let them go, but we need to be strong with Gods help.
 
I’m so sorry for what your mom and you and your family are going through.

We were in this situation for several years. My dear mother-in-law developed dementia (whether actually Alzheimer’s, we will never know) and gradually ate less and less, though she was able to be in a wheelchair and enjoyed our visits. We opted for a feeding tube, and she lived with that for several years. The last year of her life she gradually declined, until she was bedridden. Toward the end, it was clear that she was no longer digesting or absorbing food well, and they used an IV for fluids and nutrition, until she quietly passed away.

She tolerated the tube well, and they made sure she was getting plenty of extra fluids to stave off urinary infections. We were at peace with our decision, and it let her enjoy several more visits with her family.

No advice, just experience and lots of prayers for you.
 
I contacted Judy Brown of the American Life League and got so many emails from her organization and they are telling me that not all Catholic priests are in agreement with the Magisterium or well informed on this matter. Some priests are even misinformed, so that, even though they are sincere, their answers are wrong. It depends on the priest.They recommend I talk to Father Thomas Euteneuer, President of Human Life International, about this. But after reading all the info I was sent, I will go with a feeding tube. Even though there is no chance of recovery with alzheimer’s, I don’t want mom to die from starvation and dehydration. And if her life is prolonged with no chance of recovery, I can look at it that God wants her to do her Purgatory on earth.
MaryAnn
 
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