My mother moved into my home almost 3 years ago. Up until a week ago, mom was able to go to the restroom and shower herself when I convinced her to do so. Almost overnight, she changed. She won't go to the restroom until she soils herself, leaving a trail both #1 and 2. She wears depends so I don't know why there is such a big mess. She has forgotten how to take her pills with water. Because she is diabetic, she has to eat but refuses because she isn't hungry...her gluclose reading was 45 this morning. I am overwhelmed and feel helpless. I would appreciate any advice on caregiving. Thank you.
In any case, such a drastic change in abilities and behaviour warrants medical attention. Call her GP/PCP. I hope this setback will prove mainly (and quite easily) reversible - please let us know how you get on.
Some Dementia's the decline is slow and at a steady pace but Vascular Dementia there can be some pretty drastic almost overnight changes.
If I were you I should take this as a timely opportunity to do some care planning with your mother's primary doctor. E.g., about her dementia: although labels have their limits it is useful to have some idea of what you're dealing with. Nobody conforms to an exact timetable, and I think it's fair to say that most people with one presenting type of dementia are also affected by other types too (multi-factorial is the fancy term), but even so knowing if you are or are not dealing with Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy Bodies or any from the rest of the pea-patch at least gives you some pointers.
You'll also want to ask about prophylaxis, to head off further UTIs. D-Mannose seems to be taken seriously by the learned journals and is kinder to the gut than antibiotics (or so I read), but I'm not at all sure if it's suitable for diabetics - [does anyone else know about this?] - again, talk to your doctor about it. Hands up, I used to give my mother cranberry capsules: there is no evidence that this does any good at all, but at least I can attest that they didn't seem to do her any harm.
Talk to her doc about home test strips, urgent care and other alternatives.
While briefs can contribute to UTIs, mom was still wearing undies at that point. It wasn't until maybe a year later that we switched her to briefs. She really didn't need them, but we did it anyway (she still will use the toilet, if taken in time - she's in a wheelchair now, so dependent on their schedules.)
ANY sudden change in behavior or demeanor should trigger a test for UTI. They do sell test kits OTC. They aren't as trustworthy, but can give you a heads up to call the doc for an Rx. If it's negative, it wouldn't hurt to get the better testing done at the doc office or outpatient lab. They often use the dip sticks, but cultures are the best test of all - the bacteria causing the UTI can be better treated with antibiotics specifically for that bacteria.
Although mom's first UTI resulted in sun-downing (she was out of control!), the ones she has had since then (only 2, total 3 in 4 years) resulted in night-time bed wetting. SOAKING everything, despite having a max brief with a pad inserted. Sure, she's had some accidents, but these were major soakings!
So, be aware that UTIs can result in some bizarre goings-on for elders, esp those with dementia. Hopefully once the infection is treated, she will revert back to how she was prior to the UTI. Once she resumes more normal toileting, be sure to encourage regular trips. She may still soil her briefs between trips, but she might be able to go again AND it's an opportunity to ensure she gets cleaned up and has clean briefs.
If she continues to have issues with taking pills after the UTI is treated, ask the pharmacist if there are alternatives to the pills - perhaps they can provide it in liquid form or have it compounded. Sometimes swallowing becomes an issue. For the most part, my mother has been okay taking her meds for almost 4 years in MC now (MANY years prior on her own or with a dispenser), but she recently had a stroke. We eliminated the eye vitamins the Mac Deg doc recommended, as they aren't critical and she was spitting them out. I also cancelled future treatments as it is too difficult to transport her and put her through the long process involved for each appt. I haven't explored options yet for her BP meds. Waiting to hear from staff or hospice (for those who have seen my previous posts, yes, they were asked to come back and evaluate again - oh, look, she's lost some weight) - if she can't take those, I will inquire about alternatives. Monitoring her BP would be key as well. With dementia and stroke, keeping her BP in check is important.
We decided the “risk” of cholesterol was much less than the terrible effects of cognitive decline caused by well-intentioned prescription meds.
It's an infection, and UTIs go farther up the urinary tract, it will cause major issues..
Keep your LO hydrated, change diapers or area clean, and watch out for change of brain mood. One LO would be totally angry and agitated. One forgot how to bend the knees, One would go stiff and look like she was on her "way out".
blood is blood, it goes to every place in the body, and I guess it is prone to carry this infection in the urinary tract to the brain, or it affects is too. I am no way a doctor, and I can see everyone agreeing to this, yup far from being in the medical field,, but observing situations.. :( the human body goes through a lot, and so does the soul, mind..
You may want her to be evaluated for palliative or hospice care. All they can, say' she is not at that point yet, but you will at least have someone come to your home and observe her. And hopefully, they will come to you more often then you taking her to the office.