Our Mother (68) has recently stopped taking all her medications, is refusing to see a doctor or do blood work. She is acting mean, aggressive & vulgar to the point we cannot take her grandchildren over to see her. She picks a fight with everyone (even her grandkids). My Dad (her husband) is scared of her, he's afraid she will poison his food. If we do get her to a doctor, I'm certain she won't follow the medication regimen. What can we do?
If she is acting weird, good for her to stop all her medications as some medications make people act crazy. At least this way you will know if it is due to medications or not that she is getting weird.
Dont expect much help from the Dr's office due to HIPPA. If she has not signed a HIPPA release, then they by law cannot talk to you.
If your dad is truly afraid of her poisoning him, then call the police and explain the situation. They can have her picked up on a 5150 and held for 72 hours of psyche testing through the local emergency department. This is on the basis that she is sususpected of being capable of harming herself or someone else.
Your mom can just be depressed by usually depressed people are not that obnoxious in picking fights with kids.
Has she always been a pain in the ass? If so, getting elderly does not make them sweet to live with. They only get worse.
Have you tried just out and out asking why she is being so mean lately. You might be surprised at how being matter of fact and direct without confrontation gets results. Try that first.
Double good luck...