Does assisted living typically take bipolar and psychosis diagnosis in the elderly?

I think one way to tell the difference between dementia and bi polar illness would be for her to see a geriatric psychiatrist. Maybe you could start there.

Pat at Home, you are right!!! I could not imagine getting a correct diagononis combining mental illness with an older senile person being involved, not an easy path...

My mom had bipolar mental illness all of her life, but she never knew what type of condition she had. She did know that she had a mental weakness since her marriage that ended in her divorce in 1956. I always knew she had mental issues but I had found out in late August 2013 about her bipolar in 2013. My family struggled when Mom severely protested to retain her independence in “her home” that I was responsible for having to leave her in assisted living facilities when she was not allowed back to OUR home after several falls and many health issues. Mom was 93 at the time when I went for therapy for long unemployment and family stress management for myself.

Zomie, actually any older person with mental illness, probably have gone undiagnosed. As a society, we have made great strives in the last decade or two, people who are older than 45/50 who have mental illness have not received proper treatment.

I would get another opinion, and certainly get her into a psychiatric facility for a 72 hour hold. Then a proper diagnosis can be made. Elderly persons having a mental disorder are no different than a person with a CHF or broken hip with regards to needing assisted living. Medications can also have these kinds of side effects.

My father wasn't diagnosed as bipolar until he had a psychotic break at age 65 so it's not impossible that your mother is bipolar even if she has never been diagnosed as such before. We had to have my father committed against his will three times. Well, actually, once we got the right people involved, the commitment was made by doctors but my father would tell you otherwise. We called a mental health crisis hotline that's local. Find one in your area. Start here: https://www.nami.org/Find-Your-Local-NAMI
Good luck!

If I saw someone wondering in 38 degrees in their underwear I would call 911, and hopefully someone did, AND at that point she would have been admitted to a facility. Why was she allowed to return home? Somevody dropped the ball. She needs a locked facility called "memory care" or a locked group bome.for senior adults with disabilities.

Do you bring a person to a neurologist to determine dementia or Alzheimer's?

Is she in assisted living now? Since they have ruled out dementia, something else is causing this new behavior. Have they checked her for a urinary tract infection? There is something going on that may not be mental.

Yikes! Its time! I would have a private chat with your mom's doctor and see where he thinks is the best placement for your mom is. Do you have siblings? Often if you unite and approach the parent together with the POA paperwork, it has a better outcome. Let some time pass then explain her behaviors to her, and how it is no longer safe in her environment, you will be prepared to take over if she refuses.