Dad seems angry

annettekae

I'm new here. My dad was diagnosed just over 3 years ago with dementia. He has lived with me for the last 3 years. Lately, in the last few weeks, I've noticed he is way more confused, forgets he lives here, and yesterday he was just plain angry about everything. He came out and asked if we were gonna do something about all these d÷×n kids. There were no children around. I think he dreamt them. But he stayed angry the rest of the day and then didn't remember how to get to his bedroom. I absolutely do not want him in a care facility. When do I know it's time for home health care? How do I handle the anger? My hubby and I are his caregivers, the other siblings don't bother with him. I guess I just need advice. Thanks in advance.

mabelgirl

My mother wakes up angry almost every morning. She thinks I’m stealing from her bank account. She also gets angry when she can’t find stuff, which is very frequent. She’s been on seroquel at night as she used to get very angry and agitated at night and didn’t sleep(hence neither did I). I’ve bulked at giving meds during daytime but will be talking to physician about it at next visit. I feel she’s angry because her brain isn’t working the way it should and she doesn’t recognize her dementia. She doesn’t have the thought process to express what’s upsetting her.
I think you need to talk to his physician if medication may help. I know at night it helped my mother.
I’m also in process of getting companion care while I wait on getting her in AL. I think both of these are a need dictated by both the LO needs as well as the caretaker. Personally I think it’s more of the caretakers need. Would having someone else help deflect or diffuse the behavior?
Would it give you a needed break from caretaking to regroup your thoughts.

Prayers for peace.

M1

welcome to the forum Annette. Sounds like your dad may be hallucinating or delusional. This is common with disease progression, as is the anger, and he may need additional medication to control it, as it was obviously disturbing to him as well as you. Any sudden change in symptoms warrants evaluation for a urinary tract infection or other acute problem-my partner got acutely confused a couple of summers ago with an episode of tick fever.

Regarding home health care: are you aware that Medicare does not cover this, and Medicaid only in certain cases? It’s very costly (plan on $30-35 per hour).

Lynn24

My 79 year old mother has bee living with us for almost two years, and she has alot of angry episodes as well. Seroquel has helped keep her more calm. The anger is part of the disease for some patients unfortunately.

Lynn24

Delusions and paranoia are also symptoms of the disease of which my mother is experiencing as well.

jfkoc

Hi Annette…please contact your father's Dr and have a UTI ruled out right away. These are usually easily treated but can be life threatening.

H1235

If you have not seen this before it is very helpful with determining stages, and what you might expect in the future.
https://us.v-cdn.net/6037576/uploads/P65AY7V6EJWC/tam-cummings-llc-handouts-282-29.pdf

I agree with the others that it is probably time to talk with his doctor about medication and rule out a uti.

Anonymousjpl123

Hallucinations and anger are quite common with some dementia. I agree with others - for my mom, medication was key. I hope you can find a good geriatric psychiatrist. I do think home health care even for a few hours can help - just to give you a break.