Doctor has her tested heart, it's fine. Now taking diuretic and supposed to wear compression socks and keep feet up while watching TV. She got better for a while, but now just takes socks off. Living center called said she is complaining about feet hurting and not able to walk much. What else can we do?? Bug doctor?? I'm kind of at a loss...
This is not something to be used routinely, but it wouldn't hurt to ask the doctor about this since it seems your aunt's edema is chronic.
I would also make sure that her socks and shoes fit properly. If she has shoes that lace up, she could be tying them too tight.
The problem with having her put her feet up, exercise, etc. is that with Moderate Dementia, the patient is not able to recall to do that. The staff may put her feet up when she sits to watch tv, but then she may take them down the minute they leave the room. It's not very feasible to have constant instruction regarding her foot positions.
And she may not remember that she should walk more, get on a bike or wear the compression socks. If the compression socks are uncomfortable, I doubt she will keep them on. It's not feasible.
Did you get the MD to order NO salt at the dinner table?
Do you know "feet up" is inadequate, the recliner has to tilt back so the feet are at the same level as the heart?
How is a larger facility going to make her compliant?
24 sounds pretty nice to me. Avoid any place with over 100 beds.
"But ankle edema occurs more easily when people AREN'T moving around, especially (when someone is not) walking (much)."
One thing that might help nominally, if she'll do it, is to get one of the floor exercisers that are essentially bike pedals without the bike. And it's much easier for an older person to use to get lower leg exercise than a stationary bike. They can also be set on a table and used by arms to exercise them. Dad got one for about $10 several years ago; they're around $14 last time I checked.
Another thing she could do is elevate her feet when she's laying down. The goal would be to elevate her feet above the level of her heart. Putting blankets under her lower legs and feet would do that.
But I would raise the issue with her doctor, without bugging him. If he's prescribed compression stockings and she's not wearing them, it's not appropriate to "bug" him for her noncompliance. You could also ask the doctor if he thinks she should see a vascular specialist in the event that some of the edema is due to a vascular problem.
One thing I would ask about though to make sure it's not a problem is lymphedema. How far up her legs does the swelling extend? Is it both legs?
I would also keep track of her food intake to make sure she's not getting too much sodium in her food.
Are there any exercise classes, even if they're seated exercises, that she could attend?
Bet you ten to one she is not doing any of that. If the patient won't comply with the recommendations, there is no point in bugging the MD.