Hi all need some advice if that's ok. Mum was doing ok in the care home but a couple of weeks ago she became really tearful and upset which was difficult for all. Then last week she became very confused, almost paranoid, but seemed happy enough so to be honest that was better than the tears!! Then Sunday afternoon I received a call from the care home saying mum had suffered a fall but all was ok, she was not injured and they would just keep an eye on her. Then around 8pm I received another call saying mum had suffered another "three" falls and had banged her head and a Paramedic were on their way. Not sure how bad these falls were for instance from an upright position falling backwards or slipping off a chair.
We headed to the home and mum was in bed in a terrible state with a big bump on her head. She didn't seem in pain but was shivering big time and was obviously very cold and you couldn't really understand her. Their was some talk from the night nurse of a UTI which of course could have been the cause of the confusion. The Paramedics arrived and took her to A and E where her BP was very high but an ECG was clear.
She is still in hospital. Her electrolytes are apparently imbalanced so she has very low potassium (always has I think) and magnesium. Head scan showed all clear which is good because she is on blood thinners and they are still awaiting results of the UTI test although apparently they had her on antibiotics but had to change them because she suffered D and V with them. Today she was on more fluids and having another ECG. She is unbelievably confused and can barely get the words out. She didn't know who I was for the first time although she is not distressed just looks a bit like a rabbit caught in headlights!! I guess they don't really know why she fell although once they balance the electrolytes it may become clearer if it was that, the UTI or if her vascular dementia has taken another significant drop.
Thing is we do sympathise with the care home. At weekends it is very much a skeleton staff and mum much prefers her room to the lounge so we understand she isn't going to be under a 24 hour watch but after the first fall to have another three in a handful of hours is a concern. My sister said the nurse there seemed edgy when we went to collect some stuff yesterday, almost embarrassed, but whilst we don't want to make a big deal about it as these things happen, at the same time I am wondering if four falls within a small amount of time is too many whatever the circumstances. Obviously we hope she will leave hospital at some stage and go back but we would want to know what sort of new care plan will be put in place.
Just wondering how others may approach this as we don't want to accuse anyone but at the same time obviously want mum safe. Thoughts appreciated.
I’m sorry I know it’s such a worry, but honestly I have had to accept that the falls are part of the progress of dementia. Each Dementia affects people differently but loss of balance is a common issue.
In care homes they aren’t able to provide the same level of care a hospitals, as you are aware.
My Dad has had falls in the care home, the first time I was shocked & alarmed, but it’s a balance issue that can fluctuate & the home have acted on the issues relating to that. Yes I felt awkward speaking to them about it but since that conversation Dad hasn’t fallen.
My Mum is constantly falling & UTIs seem to be a large factor; infact they seem constant now. Mum is frequently off her legs when a UTI is present. Falls are alarming but Mum doesn’t remember them mostly. Stubbornness on Mums part doesn’t help she doesn’t accept help or direction well. When in hospital Mums delirium’s & hallucinations were off the scale. Sadly each UTI takes a little more of her away. Sometimes the falls are a symptom of the type of dementia, also it’s a progressive phase in some cases.
My Mum has fallen infront of nurses in hospital, as well as myself; she just crumples & there is nothing I or anyone else could do to stop that happening. She stubbornly refuses to ask for help or use walking aides. Sadly this is dementia & it’s difficult to accept this reality
Not much help I know
((( hugs))))