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waweeta Asked February 2015

Dementia spouse won't go to dr. unless I lie to the them about his late-stage symptoms. Any advice?

The doc not responding to my email with symptom list.
My husband is, unfortunately, one of those dementia sufferers that use deceit, denial, anger and verbally aggressive behavior to hide their fear of what is happening to them. I am convinced he has vascular dementia. He retains a good memory level - although his cognitive function is horrible and his mobility has declined to the point of making him house-bound. In a few short months, he has declined drastically from several mini-strokes brought on from a long history of heart-attacks, strokes and hypertension related issues. He also suffers from OCD, anxiety and depression.

Since his first stroke and heart-attack 10 years ago, I have been trying to get his doctors to listen to me about possible dementia symptoms, but he lies to them at each visit; turns on his polished charm and convinces them that I am making up everything I say. During his last hospital visit, a neurologist officially diagnosed him with dementia. Then, as his mobility declined and medicare told me I needed him to go get a mobility function eval from his GP. He refused to go to any doctor. This forced me to pay the full price of all safety and mobility equipment, which has been tough, since I had to close my 18yr old business to care for him full-time leaving us with just his retirement income. And this is juuust enough that we don't qualify for any aide programs.

Now...he has fallen so many times (always trying to prove he doesn't need to use the 'cripple' equipment as he puts it), he finally relented and told me I could make a doc apt. However, he refuses to go - if I tell the doctor the truth about his symptoms - other than those obvious to the doctor. So, I signed up for the doctor's patient portal; wrote a letter containing all the cognitive/mobility symptoms and then asked the doctor if I could count on him to work with me 'behind the scenes' - in order, to get my husband the medical care he needs. I explained to the doctor that this was necessary, because my husband said he would never go again, if I told any doctor "just how bad it is now".

2 weeks later...no response. I called his office asked his staff to simply have the doctor give me a yes or no answer to whether he was willing to not tell my husband that I shared the symptom list. They promised a call but I never got one and that was 2 months ago.

Now his paranoia, suspicions and fear are off the charts and he accuses me of wanting him to be declared incompetent; committed to a home and even die, during his anxiety attacks. After the episode, he is the sweetest thing and thinks I take great care of him. I know not to argue and smile a lot, but now he has been calling his two estranged adult children during these fear attacks, while i'm in the shower, etc., complaining about me. They tried to gain custody of my husband 10 years ago, while he was undergoing quintuple open-heart surgery following a stroke and corodidendorectomy. They said, "she only convinced the surgeon to do the surgery, so she could get attention!" (they are close to their mother and resent their father's remarriage) That would have been funny, except...they tried to beat down the Cardiac ICU door; called social services on me; made me leave my husband's critical care bedside to meet with the hospital administration and caused a ruckus that ended up with them banded from the hospital and further contact with my husband during his stay. My husband harbored deep resentment and anger over it - up until his recent cognitive decline. My relationship with them ended by their choice immediately after and my husbands relationship with them has been a once-a-month obligatory phone call, at best.

We both made POA, DPOA and Wills after that. Now, I am worried about how I can get my husband the best care and protect him from himself and others. All the while, fighting the same war with getting his doctors to even work with me. I'm so frustrated. LO wont let me attain any outside assistance; tell anyone he has dementia and even get the safety equipment he needs. What I HAVE gotten, I just bought using our retirement savings without telling him and I get yelled at for it almost every day. (But he IS using it and that's all that matters to me.)

Does anyone have any advice? I want to make the doc apt - even if he changes his mind and makes me cancel (which he does), but this is the ONLY doc he will go to, so switching to a new one probably isn't an option. What an I do?

waweeta Feb 2015
imccarthy1: yes, he has the supplemental plan. That means, everything goes through Athem and not the actual Medicare program. Thanks.

lmccarthy1 Feb 2015
As far as how long it takes to get the services or evals, if he is already on Medicare then it usually only takes up to 48 hours to get Home Health Nursing, Physical Therapy, and other services to come out once they have Dr.'s orders. However, if he does have a secondary insurance, as it may take a little longer for the insurance to provide authorization for the services.

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terryjack1 Feb 2015
This is a difficult situation. Many deny dementia symptoms and many do not realize what is happening to them and are not aware of their symptoms. Speak to his doctor's nurse, explain the situation to her/him, make sure you include all the symptoms you are seeing. You are not going to be able to reason with your husband, but the nurse can relay this info to the doctor so when your husband has his next visit, the doctor can provide a more detailed exam. The anger and the decline physically and cognitively is a sign of dementia, but it could also be from other conditions. Contact your local area agency on aging, they have caregiver support groups, it helps to speak with other caregivers. You could contact your local adult protective services, explain the situation and ask for advise, they are there to help-despite their 'bad' reputation I have found them helpful.
Good luck.

waweeta Feb 2015
Hi angels. Sorry it took me a bit to respond. Every day is cray-cray with anticipation of the help that is coming - for both, me and my LO. He has been doing much better with the med adjustments. Fear is always present, but it hasn't escalated to an anxiety attack, since the doc visit. I am the one loosing sleep from the 'Santa Claus is coming!' bedtime thoughts, hahaha. Does anyone know how long it actually takes to get through the medicare process, after the doctor has ordered the services/evals? His office staff said, "Awhile". But that doesn't tell me anything.

bookluvr Feb 2015
Waweeta, it sounds like the doctor and the nurses are taking current seminars on dementia. I would hope so since dementia is on the rise worldwide. It's so obvious with how all the staff had handled the situation- making sure that both you and hubby were included as important. When you have time, it would be so nice to send them a grateful email to them. I Keep those emails from clients who praised me. =)

vegaslady Feb 2015
I'm glad you went ahead with the appointment and found a way to get him there. The fallout may have been heartbreaking, but it has been good.

pargirl Feb 2015
When my journey began 6 years ago my mother also refused to go to the dr. unless it was for flu shot or something easy. Fortunately she and my dad went to a Senior/elder care physician and I was able to work with the dr. and her social worker. I always went through the social worker when I had a new problem or needed to try different medications that my mother refused to take because "she didn't need them because NOTHING was wrong with her!" I wouldn't put up with that doctor for myself or for a loved one. Try to find a social worker in your area that will help you find a qualified elder care nurse or doctor that can meet with you on neutral ground or in your home. They can work it as if they were just friends or acquaintances that have come for a visit or that you have run into at lunch. They will take notes and start a file on your husband. Best of luck to you. I know it's hard....

moondance Feb 2015
You live in a cartoon too...I just wish mine to be peaceful.

I am usually the enemy. Being a well trained medical professional, I simply choose not to take any of his paranoia , anger or whatever personally. I did run away recently~I was so fried....but I am back.
My husband , who forgets my name a lot but oh how he recall this & that??~I am the bad guy/gal.
When he was first diagnosed 15 years ago with Solvent Dementia, I GOT ALL THE PROPER forms signed to give me POA, MPOA, DPA, covered it all...no family to deal with but just me.
I am fortunate that all his docs know me & we have worked together. All proper paperwork is filed. Sometimes I see a Light inside but sometime I fear for myself.
I LISTEN TO THE VOICE IN MY GUT~it has yet learned to lie to me~~smile.
I so feel for you...Dementia presents in so many different ways.

lmccarthy1 Feb 2015
Also, once at the Dr.'s appointment I would suggest you request a Physical Therapy evaluation through a local Home Health agency to address his decreased mobility and equipment needs as well. That way he cannot argue with the Physical Therapist about what he currently needs. Well, he can argue with them, but he will not win because they are the professionals and they are used to dealing with this sort of behavior!

lmccarthy1 Feb 2015
Since you say your husband was already diagnosed with dementia and you are designated as his DPOA, then those advance directives are already in effect. Anyway, you have some very good suggestions here. You can try taking your husband out to eat just before the appointment and then drive him directly to the appointment from there. Or you can check if there are any Visiting Physicians in your area that make house calls. There is probably some sort of Physician Referral Source available in your area. Just check your phone book.

In addition, I would just like to add that you can ask to speak to the doctor in private at the time of your husband's doctor appointment to address all of his mobility and equipment needs. That way you are not as at risk for getting your husband angry at you by discussing his dementia symptoms in front of him.

Being in the healthcare profession, I agree that due to the current HIPAA laws, chances are you are not going to get a response from the doctor electronically, or at least not a very good one.

Best of luck!

BarbBrooklyn Feb 2015
Waweeta, I'm so happy for you and your husband!

Zdarov Feb 2015
Wow, so great to read this and how you were able to bring about needed change. waweeta, you have been dealing with so much for so long. You're a real hero, and good luck with these new changes at home!

runragged Feb 2015
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

waweeta Feb 2015
Sorry typo. ...15 minutes talking to him (not 45)

waweeta Feb 2015
Whew...what a day. I'm exhausted but i wanted to give all you angels an update and a huge thank you for all your tips/help before i went to sleep. I gave him a xanax and it kept him calm until we got there. Poor thing was scared to death once we arrived and started to lose his temper but then they called him back. I wrote the note to doc with instructions to read before he entered. It was a page long with an update on all issues. Doc was shocked at his decline and mouthed to me, "I read your note. Don't worry. " Then something strange happened...the doc asked him what has been going on. Hubby said, "I don't want to talk about it. Ask her. She loves to talk about it." I asked, "are you sure? " (knowing the doc already knew everything). Hubby said, "yes. I just want to get this over with." He was feeling completely defeated. The doc scooted up close to my husband and spent 45 minutes talking to him like an old school mate helping him accept the inevitable loss of mobility. A couple times I thought my husband was going to cry. It was heart wrenching. Hubby, "But she even hovers over me in the shower! Watches me all the time. I can't do anything alone. " Doc, "She HAS too! I know. It sucks. But she has to make sure you're safe. You fall now." Doc adjusted meds, took some blood/urine, ordered wheelchair use 24/7, ordered home phys eval and respite care. I felt a change in the doc and his staff. It wasn't a hurried meeting to discuss bloodwork and tests every like it had been every 3-6 months for the past 10 years. Now it was all about making him as comfortable as possible. I got lots of hugs and left with such a feeling of relief.

surprise Feb 2015
Wait - I had mthr in a memory care unit and I did not have to be alone with her. I forgot that you were still living with your dear hubby. I agree with Babalou, tear up, tell him you can't deal with the verbal abuse and threats if you are honest with the doc any more, that you've got to get him into inpaitient geriatric psych evaluation now because you are afraid of what he will do to you when you get home.

You love him so much, you don't want him to get his feelings hurt, but he is endangering you and himself both. Please be honest with doc,and get him real help. Will be praying for you Friday.

surprise Feb 2015
Waweeta, When you have a little baby and you know you need to get his shots, you really don't want to put him through that pain and suffering. Are you going to put up with his whining and tantrums, or are you going to do what is right and protect him? You are going to get his shots because you love him more than you are afraid of him.

You also want to get your hubby on whatever course of action will make him better because you love him so much. He will seem to hate you for loving him in his frailty, but it is not you he hates, but his stage in life. If you have to get guardianship to get him medical care so he has more years with you, you will have this report in his record only if you speak up.

We rescued my mthr when she could not remember anything except her anger at me. I brought a third wheel along to support *me*. When doc asked her how she was, she said fine, just like your hubby, and doc looked to me. I pulled up my spine, looked straight in the doc's eyes, and made a report, just like I would if I had been a nurse. I did not say "mthr" I said "the patient." At times she thought it was her, then she would think it was third wheel. We went and sat in the waiting room a little longer while friend went to bathroom (to decompress while we were at doc's in case of an outburst) and then went to get an ice cream. With sugar, all was forgiven. I hope you have as positive an experience.

waweeta Feb 2015
Sandwich42plus: very helpful. Now. ..with medicare, I'm i required to get a referral from his gp to a geriatric?

sandwich42plus Feb 2015
So the doctor needs - NEEEEEEDS - to be a geriatric specialist, not a GP or famil practice doc. This makes all the difference.

My mother had her GPs fooled for decades and didn't receive proper care for several things that led to a very fast decline for her. She also showtimed and danced her way around cognitive questions by flirting with the doctor and acting like the sweetest piece of pie you ever met.

It wasn't until she got in front of a female geriatrician who could not be hornswaggled and who did a real cognitive evaluation test on her that things took a turn for the better. She could not fake her way through the SLUMPS test they gave her. She could not flirt with a female doctor. When she could tell her "southern belle momma" act was not getting her anywhere, she dropped it like a hot rock and showed her real nature.

Part of dementia will involve your spouse not being able to maintain the show long enough to get away with it.

Finding an competent sympathetic doctor with the experience to see past the show is extremely important. If I could highlight that and make it blink I would.

Geriatrics and geriatric neurology is a specialty just like pediatric neurology is. The typical family practice office doc is just not educated on this and may avoid anything outside their comfort zone. (How is this helpful? It's not.)

BarbBrooklyn Feb 2015
Waweeta, I suggest that when doctor looks to you, you burst into tears and say that you can't take the abuse and stress anymore. Ask the doctor to recommend a good placement for LO. Walk out.

One third of all caregivers die before their charges do. Don't be a statistic.

waweeta Feb 2015
Surprise: I'm going to do the note idea. But how should i respond when the doc starts asking questions? (Remember, refusing care is not an idol threat. He has refused care for over 6 months now. ) First the doc usually asks LO question (have you been anxious, nervous, depressed); LO lies, and then doc looks at me and LO glares at me.

waweeta Feb 2015
Surprise: love your ideas. But the shower is an ocd thing and required if i want him to leave the house. I don't see how he can stand on the scale without falling off. It's one of those old fashioned ones that wobble when you stand on the small platform. Do i say we need to skip it or do i let the nurse struggle with him so they can witness?

surprise Feb 2015
When you check in, ask the nurse to please call "Mr. and Mrs. Lastname" and skip the weigh in because of anxiety issues. If they forget, tell the nurse as she is bringing you two back, "I'm sorry, but *we* are skipping bp and weigh in because of anxiety today. *We* might be able to do that later when *we* have spoken to the doc."

When doc gets into the office and starts talking about your hubby, maybe that will provoke the outburst/verbal abuse you hope to get under control. I usually took a very short letter to give to the nurse as I went in the exam room door (behind mthr) with current symptoms and things I think she could listen out for. Maybe through the door!!

surprise Feb 2015
I would skip the showering. You are not trying to show his best side, but his typical side. If doc sees that it must be difficult to shower him, that will help make your case. Working hard to make him "normal" in re clenliness works against your goals here. When I had to take mthr to doc from her place, she went as is, as that made it that much more obvious that she had serious decline.

waweeta Feb 2015
Babalou: I too, am hoping for an adjustment on his meds for the anxiety and depression. That's a tough one though. It's not a physical observation for the doc and requires an interview process. LO lies and threatens me (I will never go to the doctor again) if i say anything. LO shows me the most beautiful side of himself and is very cooperative in his daily care when the depression and anxiety are at bay.

waweeta Feb 2015
Doodlebug: thank you For you kind words. I have to tell him today because it takes me two hours to get him thru the shower process and i won't have time in the morning. I am worried that with the few minutes you get at a doc visit that "showtiming" is going to challenge my objective once again. hopefully the doc will see thru it, but he will definitely see the decline in mobility.

waweeta Feb 2015
Jaysmom: I had to send copies of our DPOA before his ins would even talk to me and they said medicare requires a visit to his Primary doc before anything is approved. I think your objective would require an attorney. Sounds your situation is even tougher than mine. Dont give up. Make lots of phone calls. Eventually you find someone that points you to another thing to try. Good luck and here's a hug.

BarbBrooklyn Feb 2015
Waweeta, it sounds as though his cognitive skills are diminished past the point where therapy would be of help. You have to have the cognitive capacity to learn new things to do therapy and sadly, it sounds like there has been too much damage to his brain. Hope the doctor can make some meds adjustments.

PcoG123 Feb 2015
I'm proud of you. Just make the appointment and tell him it's for you after you get there. Then when you go in; both of you go. Good Luck. And I will Pray 🙏 for results😇❤️

Jaysmom Feb 2015
Takes care of mom ( (67) she has medicare ( part unknown) paranoid and has benn for last 20 years. ABSOLUTELY will not see a dr.. cant get guardianship because cant get incompetent paperwork ( see wont go to dr.) gave up on this battle a while back ( before medicare kicked in ) Just had a thought does madicare provide an in home service to evaluate older adults? for the porpuse of declaring them incompetent?

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