Multiple elopement attempts from MC

pamu

My mom (87YO) is in MC and has attempted to leave several times. Most recently, on Friday she managed to get upstairs before the nurses caught her. It took them an hour to get her back downstairs to the special care unit. They had to force her onto a wheelchair - she was swinging and pushing. I saw her Sat morning and she remembers a different account of what actually happened. She was agitated and quiet during our visit so I spoke to the charge nurse and unit nurse - they said they would keep a close eye on her. Last night (Sunday) she attempted to to leave again (not as far) this time having her belongings with her (2 small bins). They managed to get her back to her room. I spoke to the nurse today and she is scheduling mom a psych visit for Wed. At this point we think mom needs her meds adjusted to tamper down the exit seeking behavior. The problem is my mom will most likely refuse any new meds…she’s done that on and off throughout her stay there (8 mo). I am afraid for her to be kicked out because they can’t manage her behaviors. Last time she tried to elope (March) she was brought to the ER and they said she had a low grade UTi (despite the 7 day test coming back negative). They discharged her back to the MC adding a low dose of seroquel and antibiotics. Mom doesn’t remember/acknowledge this. Things are not getting better and I’m worried that she won’t be admitted to Geri-psych if she’s brought back to the ER and the MC won’t accept her back. Looking for feedback from caregivers who have experienced this with their PWD.

Emily 123

I'd ask them to check her for a UTI.

Sometimes meds need adjusted. MC should be able to handle the behaviors and administering meds to her. You can always discuss your concerns with the nursing director. If they're not able to handle these two pretty common behaviors (or keep her in the MC area) you might want some clarification about what they do provide.

However, it sounds like they're working to get her sorted out. Likely she'll have a productive psych visit and new meds will help her anxiety.

If the MC were to send her to the ED and refused to take her back then you'd work with the hospital's care manager/social worker to find another facility to discharge her to.

Again, if you have concerns like that's something they might do then definitely seek some clarification from the administrators/nursing director.

H1235

Early on mom was put on medication for her moods. The doctor told her she was prescribing it. Mom was so mad when we got home. Said she was not going to take medicine for a “so called mood problem”. She didn’t think there was any problem. I waited a week and told her the doctor had prescribed a new vitamin for her. She never questioned it. I should add that this medication did absolutely nothing. We have changed medication a few times since then. Thankfully her next doctor (the one at the facility) didn’t over share about new medication and why. I would encourage staff and doctors to avoid giving her too much information regarding any medication changes. Medication can be so difficult to get figured out.

pamu

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/273205#Comment_273205

Thank you for the response.

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/273205#Comment_273205

Thank you for the response. Selfishly, it’s been a very long road to get her to MC and I’m nearing the end of my rope. Mom was diagnosed 8 years ago. She also has paranoid personality disorder so she is extremely distrustful. The nurse discussed the possibility of trying to give gel medications rather than new pills. My sister and I have had several care team meetings and we like the nurses, activity people and administration. We also visit frequently and speak to staff. It’s an old facility but we’ve been told that it’s one of the better ones in our city. During mom’s previous meltdown they were very respectful to mom and supportive to us. But you’re right about asking exactly what they can provide when a patient is extremely resistant. Maybe other MC’s have better security or care plans. I mentioned the ER in my post because they just chalked my mom’s behavior to a UTI because they did a preliminary test and said it was elevated and probably the cause of her behavior but it wasn’t a UTI…so they discharged her. The same thing happened in Sept where they didn’t want to keep her and sent her to MC without any medications other than Ativan. I’m disappointed that mom wasn’t admitted to the Geri-psych dept to get the medication she needed from the get-go.

pamu

Mom knows her pills and wouldn’t take the newly prescribed seroquel at first. After a week and a half the night nurse convinced her to take it because it would help her sleep. Thank you for your insight.