Follow
Share

Have to consider not giving it. What’s the alternative?

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Maybe it's time for an AL or NH. Her care is more than you can handle and with Dementia it will get worse.
Helpful Answer (6)
Report

Does she have dementia? My elderly aunt had a myriad of issues going on, but her mind was still pretty good. There is no way she could draw insulin up in a syringe, but the doctor prescribed insulin pens, which dial the dosage. I put a note on it with a mark showing where the dial needed to be turned for correct dosage. She did great with the pen and gave herself shots.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

No, VNA will not do that, unfortunately. They can be ordered to teach the son or person how to do it but can’t stay in.
A family member can pre-fill syringes with the daily dose and maybe her son can give it in her abdomen. How/who checks her blood sugar? I think they even have talking glucometers these days for folks with bad vision . 
There are many things that can happen if your mom doesn’t eat after taking insulin or even if it’s a once daily bedtime dose if she doesn’t eat nor check her blood sugar. Her blood sugar can drop.
So sorry that you have to find a way to make sure she is safe. I hope it works out for you.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

Thefavorite, I see that your Mom lives at her own home. Is there some reason she cannot learn to give herself the insulin shot? Ask the doctor if there are any classes she can take so she can become comfortable with the needle.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

How about the Visiting Nurses assoc?
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

There must be specialized equipment available for the blind to administer insulin. I am wondering about the long term viability of this situation. I would start to research other residential arrangements.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Although she has dementia she is alert and aware of who we are but unable to make concrete and safe decisions. She has lived in her home for 55 years so very connected and to take her out of her environment versus assisted-living for diabetic purposes will absolutely decrease her quality of life. She takes oral medication for her diabetes (I fill pill boxes every two weeks) and the insulin has just been recommended by her PMD. Because finding resources to administer the insulin daily has been very challenging her PMD is looking at other alternatives. Thanks for all the info!
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

One more thought . . . Have you tried the local Am Diabetes Assoc? they may have ideas that would help your mom.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

She does have dementia so unable to self administer. Has a adult son that lives with her however legally blind so can’t trust him to give safely.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter