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Just can’t take it

So here I am again. At my wits end with my middle dementia 73 year old mother. I work a full time job and never get enough sleep. Why you ask?! Because If I don’t force my mother into bed, she stays up all night. Sometimes watching tv which would be FINE but it’s the nights where every light in the house is on. In and out doors. Up and down the hallway. Banging cabinets in the kitchen which mind you is right behind my head. We live in a one story module home aka prison. If I had my own space other than my tiny bedroom which I work from home in every other week (other week is in office) I wouldn’t be so cranky. Got to go on a girls overnight last night while my boyfriend momsat. Man I slept so so good. I used to sleep like a rock. Now every mom movement wakes me up. I’m only 41 and I swear I feel 85. I am finally in bed typing this after another 45 minute battle with my mom to get her into bed. She didn’t sleep at all during the day today and I’m sure she was up all last night when I wasn’t here so I know she’s tired. Her yearly doctors appt isn’t until 12/22. I PRAY the doctor can change some meds to help me out. When moms tired the confusion delusions and sometimes hallucinations are outta control. Signed, I want to move our daughter.

Comments

  • Tfreedz
    Tfreedz Member Posts: 138
    100 Comments First Anniversary
    Member
    WolverineGirl2 I can completely relate! When I’m up all night listening to my mom roaming around, I read all of these posts and feel less alone with this craziness. Have you looked into respite care or hiring someone for a couple hours a few times a week, even just so you can take a nap? Also support groups in your area may have an idea or two. I would definitely call the doc and see if she could get in sooner and possibly get on something to help her sleep. My mom was just put on remron to help her stay asleep and so far, so good. I still hear her go to the bathroom a few times a night but not walking all around, so I’m happy. Good luck, and keep us posted!
  • Emily 123
    Emily 123 Member Posts: 782
    Fourth Anniversary 500 Comments 100 Likes 25 Care Reactions
    Member

    Hi Wolverinegirl2, 

    Did they ever culture your mother's urine? It might be good for them to do that if they didn't before. Perhaps the cipro didn't clear her UTI.  Why not talk to the provider's office tomorrow and give them an update about the agitation--perhaps they could get her started on something or adjust her meds now before your visit, or at least get her urine cultured if that's a concern.  The current situation does not sound good at all for you or her.  You can't take care of her if you're exhausted.  I'm sorry.

  • PickledCondiment
    PickledCondiment Member Posts: 56
    Second Anniversary 10 Comments
    Member
    I completely relate with the behaviors and your frustration.  Has your mother seen a neurologist or a provider with geriatric and dementia specific skillset?  I suggest that route as I've found my mother's behaviors (a great deal like your situation) aren't properly addressed by her primary care provider.  Obtaining a referral and subsequent appointment to a provider with more skills and expertise in dementia, etc would provide your with a better care roadmap.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
Read more