When someone w/dementia experiences a traumatic brain injury (TBI)

My dad's brain bleeding now 12 cm. Is it possible for him to do a.d.l.'s for awhile? IWill it continue to get worse? They are only keeping him comfortable, no life saving measures.
My heart is breaking!

Hello @purple6942,

I really can't answer your medical questions about the brain bleed, etc. You say that they are only providing comfort care for him now. Have you asked if he is a candidate for life-saving measures? It could be that because of other health issues that might not be possible. I don't recall you mentioning your dad's age, however, that is probably a consideration along with his history of dementia.

I do understand how difficult it is to let a parent go. My mother died on Thanksgiving Day after being in Hospice care for less than a week. It is traumatic as well as heartbreaking to say good-bye.

How do your other siblings feel about the decisions that are being made by the medical staff? Are they onboard with providing only comfort care now?

It is my dad's wishes for no life saving measurements.
We support and honor our moms decisions, no matter how hard it is. I spoke with his Dr and he communicated with other neuros and they feel there is really nothing more... also because if his wishes. I forgot to ask about longevity. He is 82. Thank you to all who read and respond❤

@purple6942

Congratulations on your willingness to follow your dad's wishes and the doctors' recommendations. It is much easier when these discussions have been made in advance. Your dad was very forthright in giving you permission to not engage in extenuating life support procedures.

I know that this will be a difficult journey for you and your family but one that we all face at one time or another. I'll be praying for courage and strength for all of you.

Wishing you well. Will you keep in touch and let us support you through this time?

Thank you for your

Support and prayers. I will keep posting. This is a great help for me!

My heart would be breaking, too, if I felt like my dad was at the end, @purple6942. I was worried a month ago that he might be at the end when my dad (79 years old) got a serious infection and was hospitalized. I did find it good to think it all through and process in my mind, though I saw how painful it was to consider.

I am sorry to hear about your dad.
This is the toughest thing to go thru. My son had a very similar fall and had a brain bleed. We were at Stanford for 9 days. Thanks to God, he is ok. He does have some delays but you wouldn't know it by looking at him.
Unfortunately my dad is near the end. They are moving him to hospice tomorrow. I am glad I will be there ❤

Hi, @purple6942 - thanks for empathizing with the situation with my dad. He does seem like he will come out of this particular infection (from a port inserted for prostate cancer treatment), but I am very doubtful he will be with us in 2 years from now. Beyond his health issues, his frailty is really coming home to me. I think it was good to really think this all through. He lives about 8 hours from us, and we want to try and get down to where he lives more often.

How are you feeling today with your dad being moved to hospice? How is he doing?

I am glad that you provided an update, @purple6942. How are your mom and the rest of your family dealing with the move to hospice?

I am glad to see that you will be able to be there with them.