Sudden advancement ?

[Mrstrikster]

Hi folks, my mum was diagnosed with mid stage Alzheimer’s late 2021 but we believe had been showing signs of the disease years before. During Covid, some signs became apparent, but more noticeable shortly after dad passed away in Oct 2020. We assumed it was the shock of losing dad but it got more worrying in early 2021, tests etc were done and final diagnosis (after having had to chase for the ct scan results which had gone missing !). She was put on memantine 20mg dose. No issues. However in aug 2022 she was scanned for bowel cancer and because of the dementia we decided against biopsy. Things have gotten slowly worse to the point we decided to move her into residential care. The care home staff are great but 3 wks in they think the dementia is a lot worse than initially thought. She is having some issues with finding the toilet (50 years of knowing exactly where the loo is, moving to somewhere that isnt home), sleepless nights and lack of engagement (mum has always been super shy and more of a watcher than instigater).

is it possible that this change in environment etc has caused so much stress on her and accelerated the advancement of the disease ? We think that she is going to have to move to nursing dementia care very soon.

thoughts? We just want mum to be happy, safe and cared for.

 

[Sarasa]

Welcome to Dementia Support Forum @Mrstrikster. My mother's dementia also seemed to advance when she went into care, but I think she'd been better at hiding it when she was in a familiar environment. That may well be the case with your mum, and three weeks isn't very long at all to get used to a new place and start to find her feet. I'd give her a few more weeks and then maybe try and visit when an activity is on and try to help her engage with the staff and maybe find some new friends.
I'm sure others will be along soon with their suggestions. This is a very friendly and supportive place and I'm glad you've found us.

 

[HopefulDaughter]

Hi @Mrstrikster,

I’m sorry to hear about your mum. It’s good that you have posted here as there’s always someone who had been through something similar and can share some advice.

It is the case that moving someone from home to care home, and other big changes (including illness/infections) can cause stress and can seem to make the dementia worse. However, I wouldn’t assume that this is permanent and as you mention your mum has only been there 3 weeks, I think there is a chance she needs time to settle. Perhaps you could speak to the care home, they may be open to discussing the challenges with you and agreeing to see how things progress? I’d be hesitant to move to a nursing home until you are sure it is necessary - i.e if you feel your Mum needs more advanced care. I wonder if with some encouragement and more time, your mum may join in with the activities on offer.

My Mum is in a nursing home and in the final stages of dementia. It was very clear to us when she needed more care than the care home could provide.

It’s so tough for the family. I feel for you and wish you all the best with it.

 

[canary]

Unfortunately, when someone with dementia moves into a new environment it shines a cruel spotlight onto their difficulties which they could successfully hide when they were at home

What sort of care home is she in? I would have thought that a place that is used to dealing with residents with dementia would not be fazed by someone needing help find the toilet or being up at night

 

[Mrstrikster]

Unfortunately, when someone with dementia moves into a new environment it shines a cruel spotlight onto their difficulties which they could successfully hide when they were at home

What sort of care home is she in? I would have thought that a place that is used to dealing with residents with dementia would not be fazed by someone needing help find the toilet or being up at night

you are so right, mum managed to hide it well and maybe we were just oblivious to it.
the care home is excellent but they are more geared towards mild to mid stage dementia, and people still with capacity. The ratio of staff is more at a nursing care home.

 

[canary]

the care home is excellent but they are more geared towards mild to mid stage dementia, and people still with capacity. The ratio of staff is more at a nursing care home.

It doesnt need to be a nursing home (they are more expensive than care homes) unless he has nursing needs, but it does need to be a care home that specialises in dementia care and is able to look after them right up to the end.

My mum was in a care home like this and they had more and better trained staff than ordinary residential homes. It looked a bit shabby, but the care was wonderful and they were able to care for her right up to the end.