I took my Dad to visit Mum today in the Care Home to which she was admitted following his sudden hospitalisation with appendicitus. We were both a bit shocked by her dramatic decline. Most concerning of all was that she was trembling during the entire 45 minutes we were there. Her medication has never made her shake before. She seemed quite "out of it" and was very rambling and disjointed. On the good side she was not unhappy and said that the staff were nice (although "some were a bit rough") and she said twice that she didn't want to be on her own. She also had a bruise on her arm, which, when I asked her how she'd got it, she said she'd knocked it against the door (or at least, that was what she was miming).
The staff at the home were very nice and seemed kind and the other residents generally happy and well-looked after in appearance. My Dad was initially quite reassured, although afterwards he said that she'd seemd "drugged up", which, I must admit, was my thought too.
This is our first experience of respite care. We understand that the experience may well set her back, but is it possible that the staff may have given her something to "calm her down"? Are they allowed to do this? Is it ethical? The head nurse did say that Mum "had a nasty streak" which is quite true!!!!
I guess we are over-sensitive, but would these observation cause any of you more experienced people to be concerned? We intend to ask about whether she has been given any additional medication (it was all a bit too emotional for my Dad today). I guess we are very aware that she is a vulnerable person and are we worrying unduly? I really was concerned about the trembling. Is this a side-effect of sedatives do you think?
Sue
The staff at the home were very nice and seemed kind and the other residents generally happy and well-looked after in appearance. My Dad was initially quite reassured, although afterwards he said that she'd seemd "drugged up", which, I must admit, was my thought too.
This is our first experience of respite care. We understand that the experience may well set her back, but is it possible that the staff may have given her something to "calm her down"? Are they allowed to do this? Is it ethical? The head nurse did say that Mum "had a nasty streak" which is quite true!!!!
I guess we are over-sensitive, but would these observation cause any of you more experienced people to be concerned? We intend to ask about whether she has been given any additional medication (it was all a bit too emotional for my Dad today). I guess we are very aware that she is a vulnerable person and are we worrying unduly? I really was concerned about the trembling. Is this a side-effect of sedatives do you think?
Sue