Mom suspected with having dementia 6 years ago. Dr. at that time put her on Aricept- now she has therapy telling her she don't have it.

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Cricket74 Asked August 2023

Mom suspected with having dementia 6 years ago. Dr. at that time put her on Aricept- now she has therapy telling her she don't have it.

She moved from Alabama to Ohio (drove herself) , and Approximately a year later the new Dr did a brain scan, and said it was definitely Alzheimer's. Now I'm hearing this over the phone(I'm in Alabama at that time). I was devastated. She and I do NOT have a great relationship (a lot of mental abuse took place and horrible manipulation) (she still does this) I'm living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia, currently moved to Ohio to help with my son's brand new baby(easy work) Mom on the other hand, not so easy. I'm at a loss. She "thinks she can still drive" but threatens me with the law if I take her car from her. I have current POA but I think it's only over her healthcare. When she cooks , I can't tell you how many times the fire department has had to come to reset the smoke alarms because she falls asleep and forgets she's got stuff cooking on the stove. She messed up her meds, she gave my husband a heart burn pill one day (we didn't know any different) he had horrible heartburn, and it was her Aricept-, it knocked him out for almost 2 days. Y'all I need suggestions of what to do. I've thought of going to talk to her Dr by myself- the last time in Alabama I tried to help keep her safe because I'm not at all able to care for her and I both- the nursing home in our town said she wasn't bad off enough to be there. Ok, well, that's a blessing - but what do I do being so far away, we will be going back to Alabama soon. 😭

Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Decisions Long-distance Caregiving Mental Health

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score 0 · Answer 1

I am assuming Mom lives alone? Yes, check out what POA u have.

What type of therapy is she having? Ru saying this therapist is saying she no longer needs Aricept. Not all therapist can prescribe medication. With Dementia, though, cognitive meds only work so long.

Since ur relationship with Mom is not that good, I would call APS in. I am surprised that the police didn't. Ask for Mom to be evaluated. Make it known with ur health problems you cannot care for her. She is a danger to herself and others by leaving the stove on and driving. Your Mom, IMO, needs to be placed. You can tell APS that the State can take over her care.

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score 1 · Answer 2

Turn off the stove. Unhook it. Take the car away. Let her call the law— great, it’s more paper trail for you.

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score 2 · Answer 3

You start by reading your PoA document and finding out exactly what authority is granted and what is required to activate that authority. Often, one or two medical diagnosis is required. You won't be able to do much until you satisfy this legal hurdle. Until then, consider calling APS in her county to report her as a vulnerable adult and to let the social workers know you are working on activating your PoA authority for her but need guidance on what to do until them. In the end, what is your plan? You don't live near her and she seems rather spicy. Does she have the funds to pay for MC? In most states, Medicaid only pays for LTC, which is for people who are bedridden or have profound or terminal illnesses that required a lot of medical attention. This has to be assessed as needed by a doctor. If your Mom has actual ALZ (which is a form of dementia) she will eventually need LTC or hospice. But if she has any other type of dementia she could be very physically healthy and mobile which means only AL or MC for her. You may want to consult with a Medicaid Planner for her state. The financial look-back period for most Medicaid programs is 5 years and if you're her FPoA you will need to know exactly how to manage her affairs so that she isn't delayed or disqualified from Medicaid at some point.

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score 1 · Answer 4

You write her doctor a letter stating exactly what you’ve told us. Ask if your current POA allows doctor to interact with you on her behalf. Keep wring and calling the doctor until you find out. Ask the doctor to refer help and advise you what to do to get her off the roads and into a care facility.

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Mom suspected with having dementia 6 years ago. Dr. at that time put her on Aricept- now she has therapy telling her she don't have it.

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