My Mother has been taken care of by my daughter for over a year. She has become increasingly agitated. Gets into things, bangs on windows, stays up all night, screams, urinates on furniture and defecates on floor. She is on medication but nothing seems to help. What, if anything, can I do?
However, let me offer you a little help. I came to this site with some of the same concerns. I got good suggestions. The best one that was a life saver. ONE-PIECE PJ'S/JUMPSUITS that button or zipper in back!!! I had a sewing machine so I bought fabric and sewed her up a several for day and night. I was told that you can buy them online. But I like to sew and that was a project for mom to help me with(more so just watch). NOW, I CONTROL THE BATHROOM BREAKS!! I have to take her more frequently and asked her more. Only 1X in the last 2 months have I had to deal with feces or urine anywhere but in her diaper/pullup and the toilet. I didn't realize just how much stress relief I got from that one thing.
You said she gets into things? Mom did the same. I have "proofed" the house with all kinds of baby gadgets. I have given mom boundries with baby gates, put chain locks up high on every interior door including closets. Cleaned out everything in her bedroom that would cause her to fiddle at night. She only has a small tv, small radio, lamp and small nightstand with NO drawers to open, I put everything in her closet with organizers, plastic totes etc.. I know it might be mean but limits work for us here. She protested at first, but being consistent with locking the same doors and gating things she has gotten used to it!!!
I have tried to justify the behavior with other causes. But when it comes down to it its just the dementia. Medication doesn't really seem to help my mother either. I figured its all trial and learn. I hope I helped a little. You will get great suggestions from others. GOOD LUCK!!