We have been caring for my mother-in-law who was diagnosed with dementia in April 2010. Her dementia journey has slowly progressed which we need to be thankful for - but has progressed at a greater speed in the past six months and in particular int he past three months.
We were aware about five months ago that we need to consider full time care for her and it became apparent after Christmas that she could no longer live in her own home on her own - despite having all most full time care - from 10.00am - 6.00pm seven days a week - provided by us and a part time carer.
She has now been staying with us for the past five weeks during which time she is up between 3-7 times a night going to the toilet (although not going to the toilet that many times during the day) and at the same time coming to look for us. The toilet is right beside her bedroom in our house - and she has visited us most weekends in our house over the 23 years and stayed on many occasions - and in particular over the past year.
I have tried putting geranium oil on a hanky to help her sleep, started to give her palms to help her sleep - but it doesn't seem to help. We know that she has always told us that she has never slept very well since her son (my husband was born) because he had a lot of allergies - but when she has stayed with us over the years she has slept (or so we thought) better than she said she had. Sadly it could be the effects of her dementia journey that are affecting her - I don't know.
In recent years she has suffered quietly badly with anxiety - and we have tried to hold of with unit anxiety medication - but in December 2015 her dementia nurse decided that she should have some medication and her GP (who is great) diagnosed 2.5mg of Escitilipran. On the whole this is working and will review it with him this week.
Would appreciate any advice and guidance from anyone who perhaps experienced a similar situation and any suggestions and advice. We are trying to work through it carefully and sensitively but with the lack of sleep we are starting to become exhausted with the whole situation.
Many thanks of your help and advice - really appreciate it
We were aware about five months ago that we need to consider full time care for her and it became apparent after Christmas that she could no longer live in her own home on her own - despite having all most full time care - from 10.00am - 6.00pm seven days a week - provided by us and a part time carer.
She has now been staying with us for the past five weeks during which time she is up between 3-7 times a night going to the toilet (although not going to the toilet that many times during the day) and at the same time coming to look for us. The toilet is right beside her bedroom in our house - and she has visited us most weekends in our house over the 23 years and stayed on many occasions - and in particular over the past year.
I have tried putting geranium oil on a hanky to help her sleep, started to give her palms to help her sleep - but it doesn't seem to help. We know that she has always told us that she has never slept very well since her son (my husband was born) because he had a lot of allergies - but when she has stayed with us over the years she has slept (or so we thought) better than she said she had. Sadly it could be the effects of her dementia journey that are affecting her - I don't know.
In recent years she has suffered quietly badly with anxiety - and we have tried to hold of with unit anxiety medication - but in December 2015 her dementia nurse decided that she should have some medication and her GP (who is great) diagnosed 2.5mg of Escitilipran. On the whole this is working and will review it with him this week.
Would appreciate any advice and guidance from anyone who perhaps experienced a similar situation and any suggestions and advice. We are trying to work through it carefully and sensitively but with the lack of sleep we are starting to become exhausted with the whole situation.
Many thanks of your help and advice - really appreciate it
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