My Dad moved into assisted living in early January; for the most part he has adapted well. They even had a round of Covid isolation during his second week on site. He handled that okay too. In the last week he has started peeing in odd places, a hallway and another residents closet, to give a couple of examples. This is obviously not good! He is also more anxious late in day and restless as well. My siblings and I believe it may be in part due to the nicer weather and his inability to get outside whenever he choses. He was accustomed to spending many hours outside, drinking coffee and watching the traffic, airplanes and critters go by. Which doesn't explain the peeing problem, although it may have something to do with his anxiety and restless behaviors. Or frustration at locked door.
Thoughts?
4 Answers
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This is called sundowning. Sometimes as the day goes on, an elder can get more irritated and anxious than usual. Not certain why it happens, but it’s common.
If your father has now entered a different stage an AL may not be able to handle him. He needs MC or LTC. If I was a resident with my facilities I would not appreciate another resident entering a room I pay 5k or more for and peeing in my closet. My Mom was able to lock her door.
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Is he in a Memory Care unit?