MIL in assisted living with dementia. We realize the disease is progressing but thought she was holding her own well enough. Today we got a call from the AL to tell us that for the past couple of days she has forgotten how to feed herself and the staff has had to feed her. I can't help but think it is coincidental that a couple of weeks ago she just started a new med (Seroquel) and also was being treated for a UTI. Could this just be a side effect of getting used to the Seroquel? Staff does not seem to think it is meds related.
I would really appreciate opinions and suggestions. I feel they are trying to push us to get her into a nursing home. Help - I am so stressed out about this! Thank you!
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This sounds stupid but it happened to me. Ask them if they put the fork in her hand. I had an aide tell me Mom didn't brush her teeth. I asked if she put the paste on the brush then handed it to Mom. I was told no. Thats why she didn't brush her teeth. At Moms AL as long as they put the fork in Moms hand she was OK.
You are right to get her checked out. This could just be a result of an illness or medication. I remember over ten years ago this happening to my mother. She had moderate dementia with Bipolar. She had gone to rehab to recover from a devastating UTI. Her psych meds got all messed up and we watched her abilities regress until she too, had to be fed. We were appalled, and even with us advocating for her, did not get better. We ended up removing her from this rehab/LTC facility and took her to the geriatric psych ward at one of the local hospitals. Within a few days, she was stabilized and back to being able to feed herself.
How advanced is your MIL’s dementia? Have her seen by a geriatric psychiatrist. My mother has been on Depakote and Seroquel for years for her Bipolar Disorder. At 88, she has almost no ADL’s, but she can still feed herself. As others have said, it is one of the last skills to go. I think you are right to question if the UTI and new medication have affected your MIL. This could be a short-term side affect that might be resolved with further testing and treatment.
You want her to receive the level of care she needs and that is the bottom line. Huge pain, yes, but so would 20 calls a day discussing the activities that she can no longer perform be. Not to mention that she is at risk because the caregivers are not equipped to help a higher level of need.
The AL let it go for a couple days, things happen and are short lived. They are seeing this has become chronic. Could it be that the UTI wasn't completely dealt with and has flared back up, yes, but she should be checked out and reassessed.
A pt taking Serquel should have a blood test done every 3 months for this drug can cause liver and kidney damage that can be permanent.
As always please talk to your LO physician about all possible side effects.
I think what you are seeing is late stage dementia or maybe a stroke.
Please consult with her Dr.
Just my 2 cents!
Is not being able to feed oneself a stage of the dementia? I am not familiar enough with dementia to answer your question.
I do offer support and hugs. I am sure others who are experienced will be able to help further.