UTI Test for Incontinent?

LucyStone

Hello. Is there any way a nursing home can test a patient who has Alzheimer's and is incontinent? My mom is 87, and recently, her agitation and combativeness have continued to escalate. She is hitting, biting, scratching, screaming, and, as they said, "speaking in tongues." She sleeps mainly all day and does not eat as much. I have begged them for a UTI test. They responded that she does not meet the qualifications required for a UTI test in Pennsylvania. No pain, burning, smell… I told them that with Alzheimer's, their symptoms can be different. They finally relented and, last night attempted to catheterize her. Well, that did not go well. Is there any way to test without doing that? Are there strips or something to put in her Depemds? I am so upset seeing her suffer this way. They keep telling me it is the progression of the disease. Thank you.

harshedbuzz

@LucyStone

In order to get a good sample, she'd need the area to be cleansed and have it done via clean catch or catherization. They'd need her cooperation for either. The problem with strips in the Depends is that it will pick up on bacteria on her skin.

I've never had an issue getting a urinalysis done for my mom (no dementia diagnosis at this time) either at her PCP or local ER. I'm in PA.

HB

LucyStone

Thank you. I am wondering about a hospital visit.

Iris L.

Search the internet for a "nun's cap". It goes in the toilet.

My career was as a pediatrician. In rare instances n if a proper specimen cannot be obtained, but there is high suspicion of an infection, the patient can be treated "as if" she had an infection. This means that if no specimen can be obtained, your mom could be treated "as if" she had a UTI. This technique requires a level of confidence and cooperation with the professionals involved.

An alternative might be a female urinal device, and then having the specimen derived from the resulting urine.

Iris