My mom is in a ward for dementia at a local hospital and I found finger bruise marks on her biceps. What should I do?

Take pctures and keep a record, just encase there are more issues down the road.

You're welcome, Lrock. We are here to support each other. It is not an easy road. Always remember that you are doing your best. When I was a child and would get sick, my Mom and Dad always told me if they could take away the illness from me and bear it for me instead of my having to endure it, they would. I always remember that sentiment now as my Mom's health has declined. I would do anything to take it away from her and grant her days of comfort and ease. Sure doesn't work that way. All we can do is to be there for our loved ones and let them know how much we care and that they are not alone in their older years and health decline. God bless you, Lrock. You're the best!

Thank-you everyone for your responses, and caring ways. Ed thanks so much for the info, will print out your post. Also thanks for the hug caregiverslight. My prayers go out to all of you. Such a hard thing to watch our loved ones struggle and for us to feel helpless at times.

I looked up what I used. Reviva Labs Vitamin K Cream, about $13.50 for 1.5 oz jar online. I spent about $25 for same at the health food store. the little jar handled her entire bruised arm and face. We still have some. This Reviva cream or lotion is great for getting rid of those senior blood bruises. Some say these cannot be diminished, but I did with creams containing these ingredients. Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester & DMAE Cream. Learned about this from that skin doctor, Perricone?

AlzCare;
Thank you for the advice about vit. K cream. I am always looking for more natural methods to treat minor ailments. Not a fan of drug companies and their "overkill" approach.
Lilli

LROCK:

Here are some steps for reporting elderly abuse:

1 -- Call or visit elderly neighbors and family members. Strong social ties are crucial for fragile or at risk elders. If you notice signs of abuse or neglect, take note of the date, time, and people involved in the situation. For example, you stop by your neighbor's home and see that she has a bruise on her arm. She acts ashamed when asked how it happened. Her daughter comes into the room and you notice that your neighbor shrinks as she approaches. When her daughter leaves the room, your neighbor seems more relaxed. When you get home, write down on your calendar, "Unexplained bruise on right forearm, the size of a quarter. Mary shies away from her daughter when she enters the room." Then you add the date and time of your observation.

2 -- Once you have gathered two or more reports of the same type of injury, it is time to make your report. Call your local Adult Protective Services and give them all the information you have collected. In the meantime, keep observing for any signs of further abuse or neglect. If you see signs that an elderly person has been assaulted, is suffering gross neglect, or is in immediate danger of further harm, call the police immediately.

3 -- If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, call the Long Term Care Ombudsman in your state.

4 -- Educate others on how to recognize abuse and neglect. Support local agencies which provide services to fragile and at risk elders, such as the Area Agency on Aging. Volunteer or assist in a fundraiser to raise awareness of domestic violence and elder abuse issues in your community; and

5 -- Call, email or write to local, state and federal officials in support of legislation and funding to prevent abuse and neglect.

Hope that helps.

-- ED

God bless your caring heart, Lrock. Your Mom is blessed to have you as her earth angel!

At least they know I am watching. Had a better visit with Mom yesterday. I pray they can get her stablized so she can return to the home near us.

Good outcome, and thanks for sharing. The whole bruising thing is so sad, overall, for me. Regardless of cause, I sure wish no elder had to experience any such thing. Just a reminder of health decline.

When my mom fell last summer, she initially had a large bruise up and down her arm where she landed. After four day, like magic, an bruise manifested from some bump on the head, and the blood puddled around eyelids, under eyes, frown lines, cheeks. It looked like she'd been beaten up. (Who, me??) And, lo, there is a help for senior bruises, including those ones that happen from a simple bump against a counter or from scratching. Vitamin K cream. Think it's from Reviva or similar maker. It was very gratifying for Mom to see the dimishment in the bruise from day to day.

Lrock, it is great that you are so attentive. Keep paying attention, as one bruise mark, absent any other indicators may be as simple as easy bruising with restraints. For your sake and your Mom's, I hope that is all it is. Stay on top of her care like a hawk, though.

They told me that yes they had to hold her down,to restrain her. Still as you say,it is very,very upsetting. Seems my Mom has gone downhill in the last few weeks.

My dad had a major bruise on him that appeared to be from being restrained that was very upsetting.My dad sometimes would take the notion to get up and go and he couldn't.For some reason older people if they have IV's in them will pull them out or anyother life saving cord,then the hospital will tie you down to restrain you.That was very unsettling to me.I do not know if this applies to you,but they claim its for the good of the patient.

Yes,asked yesterday,they said it came from being restrained, and the eldery are frail and bruise easily. Told them it really upset me big time to see the marks!

Have you inquired about the bruises at the hospital?