Figuring out my plan D

clarinetist

After spending the summer in several Geri-psych units, my DH is back at his memory care. He’s been on Seroquel and Risperidone, and is currently on Zyprexa. A week ago, Depakote was added. But the aggressive incidents continue.

I’m concerned that his memory care placement is endangered. He is physically in good shape, so isn’t a candidate for a skilled nursing facility (plus they probably wouldn’t want him if he’s being aggressive). I’m afraid to have him at home by myself and his aggression might make it challenging to find in-home care to help me. There’s always Geri-psych, but that’s not a long-term solution.

I’m hoping the Depakote will kick in soon and help. There’s also room to increase the Depakote. He’s nearing the upper limit for antipsychotics. My current plan is to find out if the aggression occurs at a certain time every day, and make sure I’m at the memory care then. But if there’s not a pattern, I can’t be there all the time.

Not sure if there’s a solution I’m not seeing. Just writing this out has been helpful, however, and if you’re still reading, thanks for the opportunity to think aloud!

M1

so so difficult. I hope that some combination can be found that works. Brace yourself because it may not be pretty, he may have to be very sedated to be manageable. Very hard to witness.

clarinetist

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/224140#Comment_224140

Thanks, M1. Your comments and advice all this summer have been very helpful. I’m slowly resigning myself to the fact that he’ll have to be very sedated to protect the staff and other residents at his memory care. It’s just heartbreaking because it means his quality of life is poor. I know you understand what I mean as you go through your own journey with your partner. My best wishes to you both.

M1

I’m sitting here with her now listening to Andrea Bocelli and wondering how much time we have left. Not much, I think. But I am so blessed that it’s peaceful right now. I hope you get some of that….

Dio

It took nearly 2 months before we saw calm after starting on Depakote. What dosage is your DH taking? Mine is taking 125mg 3x/day.

SDianeL

My husband was on Risperidone & Depakote. The nurse & doctor said he's either full on aggressive or asleep. No in between. They tried to adjust the meds but never really found the happy medium dose. He became bedridden & incontinent. He slept except to eat. So sad to watch but I understood the need. They can't put the caregivers & staff in danger. So sorry.

clarinetist

Thanks for the info, Dio and Diane. My husband is on 250 mg of Depakote, twice a day. I’ll give it more time to work.