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Twila822 Asked April 2016

Best thing to say to 99 year old in assisted living?

My mother in law has been in assisted living for 3 weeks she was living alone and had been in the same home for 70. Years she has dementia and sundowners she is taking meds for anxiety but she seems so miserable and lonley. Just wanting to be anywhere but there she has family there daily. And many outings for meals etc she can't remember who what or whenshe just wants out..the grown grandchildren day she is so unhappy we take her to a activities and she enjoys are we visiting to much? we just want her to be happy she has been a very independent woman I think that is what she misses not sure what to say when she wants out we tell her it's the best place any advice would be so appreciated

Twila822 May 2016
She has aides and family is there daily

AngelicaBall May 2016
I think you should appoint an assistant for her if you don't have time to spend with her. She has dementia and even normal person gets irritate after living so much time lonely in alone home and as i read she has dementia then surely you have to appoint an assistant for her. So that she has take her medicine properly and also help her to visit to different places. otherwise you should go with Home care center.

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Sunnygirl1 Apr 2016
It is still early, but there are a few things that I would look into. I'd make sure that her meds are working for her. If she's still very anxious, even after taking her meds, I would discuss it with her doctor. My cousin saw great improvement with her anxiety withd daily meds. It made a huge difference and she was and is quite content in AL. But, no everyone is. Some people are not content regardless of where they are, even at home, because the dementia changes their mind. They may not even realize they are in their own home eventually.

I would also make sure that the staff know the extent of her dementia. She isn't likely to know where to go and what to do. Even in the Regular AL, they would accommodate those with dementia by getting them to the dining room and other rooms for events and activities. If she's being left behind, I'd address that. Keep an idea to ensure they are able to provide her the care she needs. If they are not a Dementia Unit, they may not have those skills or provide that kind of care.

And, I would keep in mind that a certain amount of her being discontented might be expected. I would read a lot about dementia. Often dementia patients are not happy and content. They often are miserable, but they are also miserable in their own home, since they may be confused, afraid and angry that things are different in their mind. There's nothing much we can do, but comfort them and try to make them feel loved while we are there. I hope thing go well.

freqflyer Apr 2016
Three weeks is still way too early for your Mom-in-law to adjust to her new place.

It is usually suggested to limit the visits during the first 3 months so that the resident can get into a daily routine with bath, breakfast, morning activities/physical therapy, lunch, afternoon activities, dinner, evening activities. And if Mom-in-law prefers to stay in her room and watch TV, that's ok, too. Let her make the choices.

Also at 99, Mom-in-law probably gets very tired if there is too much company or going out, so when she gets back to the facility, she probably heads to her room for a much needed nap :)

My Dad, who is in his 90's, lives in a senior living facility and has been there since this past January. Dad has caregivers who come in every other day in the mornings to help with whatever he needs, and take him to another floor for physical therapy, take him to doctor appointments, hair cuts, etc. Then in the afternoon, Dad is happy as a clam just watching TV, napping, and catching up on his reading. Then he will join his table mates for dinner in the main dining room.

Sorrynotsorry Apr 2016
I think any major move takes time to adjust to. In fact any change is difficult at first but then it becomes what we know . I'd give her another month or two and if there is no improvement ask if she can be put on an antidepressant.

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