Mum was finally diagnosed with Alzheimer's yesterday. We've been coping with her increasing problems for about four years so this only confirmed what's been obvious to everyone for ages, that she has dementia. I feel I've had to chase people every step of the way to get to this point.
Anyway, she has had a good care package in place for the past couple of years and although she is totally dependent on others for everything (she doesn't even understand that she has to put medication in her mouth and has to have her hand guided to her mouth) she is living in her own flat and in good physical health.
I was thanking the care team yesterday for all their wonderful help and commenting on how Mum hasn't been in hospital for well over a year, ever since the care package was increased and her needs were finally being met. Well, famous last words! This morning the carer found her on the floor where she may have spent hours during the night. She simply doesn't have the mental capacity to press the alarm fob around her neck when she needs help. She was absolutely exhausted and out of it this morning and the doctor has sent her to hospital for tests in case her kidneys have been affected (I haven't yet got round to finding out just why this might be the case).
Talk about bad timing! Mum's medical records haven't yet been updated with yesterday's diagnosis so there's nothing to suggest she has dementia or to explain any confusion. If the hospital waits for her confusion to go away she'll be there for ever! I've spent the day trying to get the message through to those who need to know.
I have a horrible feeling that this whole incident is going to set her back enormously. She will be so bewildered in hospital and of course we're not allowed to visit. Any tips on how to help her pull back from this would be appreciated.
Mum is also going to be prescribed Donepezil to see if it benefits her. I'd be interested to hear how much this has helped others. I wish she'd had a chance to try it a few years ago. Her condition has really gone downhill so much that I wonder how much good it will do now.
Anyway, that's been Day 1 of her officially confirmed Alzheimer's status. My brother and I waved her off in an ambulance this evening. The future is so unknown. Thanks for listening to this long ramble.
Anyway, she has had a good care package in place for the past couple of years and although she is totally dependent on others for everything (she doesn't even understand that she has to put medication in her mouth and has to have her hand guided to her mouth) she is living in her own flat and in good physical health.
I was thanking the care team yesterday for all their wonderful help and commenting on how Mum hasn't been in hospital for well over a year, ever since the care package was increased and her needs were finally being met. Well, famous last words! This morning the carer found her on the floor where she may have spent hours during the night. She simply doesn't have the mental capacity to press the alarm fob around her neck when she needs help. She was absolutely exhausted and out of it this morning and the doctor has sent her to hospital for tests in case her kidneys have been affected (I haven't yet got round to finding out just why this might be the case).
Talk about bad timing! Mum's medical records haven't yet been updated with yesterday's diagnosis so there's nothing to suggest she has dementia or to explain any confusion. If the hospital waits for her confusion to go away she'll be there for ever! I've spent the day trying to get the message through to those who need to know.
I have a horrible feeling that this whole incident is going to set her back enormously. She will be so bewildered in hospital and of course we're not allowed to visit. Any tips on how to help her pull back from this would be appreciated.
Mum is also going to be prescribed Donepezil to see if it benefits her. I'd be interested to hear how much this has helped others. I wish she'd had a chance to try it a few years ago. Her condition has really gone downhill so much that I wonder how much good it will do now.
Anyway, that's been Day 1 of her officially confirmed Alzheimer's status. My brother and I waved her off in an ambulance this evening. The future is so unknown. Thanks for listening to this long ramble.