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My dad (79, bedridden by choice, moderate dementia/diabetes) hasn’t been himself the last two days. Very flat and disengaged, answers in one or two words or just pretends not to hear me, no typical interaction with me or my kids. Appetite is ok, blood sugar is ok, urine output is ok, colostomy output is normal, heart rate and oxygen levels are ok. I don’t have a blood pressure cuff. Says there’s no pain (but he’s never been good at identifying pain since he’s gotten older) and has no explanation for his actions. Still on Wellbutrin and Escitalopram for MDD, hasn’t missed his meds. Something is just *off*. Any ideas? I will call home health tomorrow if he’s still like this, I guess, but I feel like they are going to be like what’s the issue and I don’t KNOW, I just feel like there might be one. Agggh!! This is the part of caregiving that drives my anxiety through the roof.

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Could he have a UTI? Or have had a TIA? FYI he probably isn't pretending he can't hear you...he might have had his comprehension compromised if he has progressing dementia or had a TIA. My aunt took a turn for the worse cognitively after getting her covid vaccination.
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Carolann2244 Jun 2021
He was vaccinated very early in the process (like beginning of April) and seemed fine since, Didn’t think of TIA. Thank you!
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I would say go with your gut. Don't worry about what home health might say. Do what you think is best.
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Hi Carolann

Im so sorry your dad isn’t feeling well. How long has it been since he was tested for a UTI? I saw that on his bio. That’s the first thing I suspect with any unusual behavior but that is usually acting out behavior that I am familiar with. Opposite Of this. Is he eating? Any sign of stroke? He may just be weary but I don’t hesitate to call HH, now hospice, when I have a question. They usually come right out to check on things. It sounds like you are up to date on everything but the BP. My DH Aunt, 94 with dementia will never admit to pain If asked. She will sometimes say that something hurts on her own and I am always surprised, it’s so rare.
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Carolann2244 Jun 2021
He has a high degree of colonization so his urine is always dark and smelly, and the dr has stopped prescribing meds unless he also has behavioral symptoms since he always tests positive. Usually he acts out with a UTI (sometimes violently) so this would be a very different presentation, but definitely if HH is coming tomorrow I can ask them to do a urinalysis. Thank you!
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