Help with managing moms anger

lro0724

It appears her sundowners is now starting earlier in the day around 2pm by 5 pm she wants to pack up clothes and leave somewhere, my attempts to help her and calm her are met with more anger especially when I don’t let her go out of the home. She manage to get out once and we involved to police to help locate her. I now have a lock on the front door she can not open. I feel so bad cause she really is like a prisoner. We haven’t her walk out and follow closely and redirect her back home. Her meds are not helping keep her calm don’t think they work at all.

Jedwalker00

I am sorry you are dealing with that. I feel your pain because I am dealing with a similar situation with my father. He moved in with us 10 years ago and it has been about 5 since we started noticing his cognitive decline. We have been lucky in the sense that my dad is not a wonderer outside of our property. He stays either on the front balcony or on the back deck and so far has not strayed. I totally understand your stress and frustration with the sundowning. When my dad started sundowning we could see it starting and we tried to manage it, by taking him for a walk (he loves to walk) or my husband (who is a retired chef) would make him one of his favorite meals and that always seemed to calm him down, but now a days, he is angry all day long. He wakes up accusing us of stealing something from him, anything from his wallet that he misplaced to his clothes. I do not know how to handle him anymore. I wish I had a solution for your issue, but I don't. I hope it helps to vent and to know that you are not alone and we are here with you. I pray that you get a good answer or resolution.

harshedbuzz

I'm sorry you're struggling with this. That's early in the day given the time of year.

Are you working with a geriatric psychiatrist for medication? This is the subspecialty best for prescribing psycho-active medications in the elderly and those with dementia. If you're relying on a PCP or neurologist, you might want to try a geripsych for meds instead.

HB

solerdr

So sorry you are having to go through this experience.

Luckily, we live in Colorado and were able to give my father vitamin MJ (marijuana) in edible form which helped him calm down and relax tremendously.

The downside was that he got the munchies; however, that was better for us.

If you do not live in a state where vitamin MJ is legal, perhaps try CBD and/or follow harshedbuzz's advice.

May I ask what medications she is on for her anger?

May God's light guide your day and His spirit bring you peace.

Damion

Laura Stewart

You may want to check for a UTI as well. We've experienced volatile bursts of anger and once she was put on meds for mood, she seemed much better until she would get a UTI - then the antibiotics would kick in and she would seem to be much calmer and happy again.