Suicidal

Mav2126

Has anyone had there parent with dementia have them become suicidal after they went into nursing home? My mom is apparently talking about suicide but I don't think she would do it. I think she is just miserable being in a nursing home with progressive dementia.

SDianeL

talk to the nurse to see if she is also saying that to them or just to you. Talk to the doctor about anti-depressant medication. No need for her to be suicidal. Medication can help.

CRNA1949

Colacho10

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/74374/suicidal

I would suggest, besides talking to her nurse and doctor, talking to the social worker at her nursing home, too. They are experts in this kind of emotional adjustment and can help set up non-medical support like therapy or activities.

Also, make sure she has enough familiar things and visitors, because sometimes just feeling connected can do some good.

Mav2126

Just an update. They took her off her antidepressant 3 weeks ago and didn't tell us! Of course she is depressed and suicidal. I can't believe they did this to her. Not happy with this.

eaglemom

Oh my goodness, that isn't a good situation. The facility doesn't have the authority to randomly start / stop prescribed ordered medications. I wouldn't be happy either, and I'd be doing a deep dive into the how/who/why it ever happened. I'd make certain the director understands your concern not only for your mom, but for others. I'd also make sure there is a note that if there is ever a medication change (from her physician) that you are notified.

I'm so sorry that happened to your mom. Hopefully once her medication levels out in her system she'll settle down.

eagle

Colacho10

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/256350#Comment_256350

And did they explain why they did it? Omg.

Anonymousjpl123

OMG i am so sorry. This did happen to me: not with antidepressants but with diabetes medication. At my mom’s MC, The scrip for her diabetes medication was accidentally removed in their discharge report (ER error) - even though we literally never discussed it. Without talking to me, they took her off and her sugar went through the roof - extremely dangerous levels.

I only caught it because I was in the process of moving her to another facility and they asked why it skyrocketed. I was livid.

Unfortunately, and I hate to say this, medication errors are not that uncommon - whether you are caring for someone at home or they are in a facility.

I would get her back on the meds, and ask to discuss their medication protocols and when her next medication assessment is.

I am so sorry. This should never have happened, but it does. I hope she stabilizes. Let us know how it goes.