Follow
Share

My mother has been in a nursing home since Feb. She went in for some leg pain, go tthe flu, then pneumonia, now she has UTIs to the point where it makes her delusional. I have been trying to bring her home but she can't even heal from these things. Now her legs have atrophied and she can't walk. It's a nightmare and I am loosing my mind! Ive asked to bring in her purewick to see if this helps at all. The antibiotics don't work!

Also, consider sending her to the hospital to get her on the IV antibiotics if they can't administer them in the nursing home.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to brandee
Report
jemfleming Oct 31, 2025
That is exactly what finally worked for my mother.
(0)
Report
Antibiotics of today are not as effective as they were 30 or 40 years ago due to stronger strains of infection and antibiotic resistance.

Has she been on IV antibiotics specifically for the strain that she has? We found these were most effective.

Can you get PT prescribed to help her stand and build her muscles?

Get her on daily high dose of cranberry pills or D Manose. Doctor can prescribe prescription cranberry pills. It needs to be more than 1 pill, i.e.
needs to be a higher dose.

Is she on C-Memantine? We found that caused UTI's in Mom. Discontinuing stopped the UTI's. Take a look at all meds she is on.

Make sure she is eating enough protein to build back muscles.

She needs plenty of water and pedialyte type products.

Keep fighting for your Mom. We went through several years of this. Doctors and nurses regularly implied it was because we were not keeping Mom's privates "clean." No, in our case the recurrence was caused as a side effect
of the C-Memantine. I still feel guilty I did not figure out the cause years earlier.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to brandee
Report
AlvaDeer Oct 29, 2025
I certainly agree with D-Mannose being a good thing to try here. While the capsules I use (about 30 for 120 of them on Amazon) are large, they can be emptied on food or into water. Only slightly and pleasantly "sweet tasting" power. Or you can buy in powder form.
The problem may be getting the medication nurse or facility to agree to administering this supplement.
For me cranberry doesn't work and is too acidic to tolerate.
(0)
Report
i have some experience with this situation. I will tell you how that went but I think first it would be helpful to know if you are capable and motivated to take her home. With my mother, I knew I didn’t want her to suffer and I knew she was getting substandard care in the rehab - which was part of a regionally recognized SNF company. I also knew that I had a suitable room at my house for her to stay in, a (mostly) supportive husband, and some past medical training to help me. Still, before I moved her I struggled with whether I was making a good decision. I have two brothers and no sisters. None of my family live less than three hours away from my house. But, along with her new condition of inability to bear weight and walk anymore she too developed a chronic UTI and unbeknownst to me, the beginnings of a bedsore while at the “rehab”. I made the decision to move her to my house and have never looked back. I did not know what would happen but was determined to get the medical equipment and assistance I would need to take care of her. I found a medical supply store, got her signed with my Primary Care doctor, and found care agencies and private care workers to hire. I got a hospital bed and a Hoyer. I upgraded to electronic adjustable on both. I was able to overcome the UTI and the hallucinating although it is still a constant battle and did require more than one hospitalization over the past 5 years. I nearly lost her both times until they finally found an antibiotic that seemed to get it. I have found things that work regarding medicines and care products and things that don’t. I also dealt with the stage 1 bedsore issue and have managed to keep that under control too with the help of my care team. I try to maintain some normal life and my marriage. It is like juggling multiple balls - and sometimes one of them falls. But, it is possible if that is the way you decide to go. The flip side is to find the best SNF you can and really get on the institution she is at and on the doctors treating her. Even though I had doubts, I wanted more control, but that is an individual decision. Good luck. Do what works for you and do the best you can for her. Try not to have regrets about the decisions you have to make - none of this is your fault or in your complete control.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to jemfleming
Report

UTIs are unfortunately very common in seniors, especially women. They can and do cause hallucinations and delusions.i remember sleeping over one of my patient's houses because she was sure trains were running down her hallway. It's important to try to get to the root cause...one of the ways I learned to prevent them in some patients was to make sure baby bath was used to clean private areas ..any kind of stronger soap was too irritating. Changing depends often and watching out for fecal contamination...
I'm sorry the antibiotics don't seem to be working...doctor probably should try testing her urine again and try a different antibiotic..it's important to try to prevent this from becoming a kidney infection. She should keep well hydrated and needs not to be alone. If you cannot be with her every day, might be a good idea to hire a temporary CNA/caregiver who can supplement the care she gets especially during this critical time...they can make sure to follow these instructions and keep an eye on her...also important since she has been so weak. When she is feeling a bit better, perhaps some light stretching exercises will help her legs.
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to Hrmgrandcna
Report

aadams69: Perhaps a urologist will have to be consulted.
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to Llamalover47
Report

Is it a rehab skilled nursing facility? If so, the physical therapists can work with your mother daily to strengthen her legs when she is well enough to do so.

Facilities can be a two-edged sword. They can be a place of healing for older people and they can be a place where they can pick up infections such as utis and pneumonia. Your mother getting physical therapy as soon as she is well, is key.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Seekerone
Report

My mom had recurring UTIS, but she also declined due to heart and dementia issues. She started losing her sight rapidly too. I am afraid that your mom is not going to make a big comeback. Unfortunately, if you move her out of her familiar environment that will contribute to delirium. When you say the antibiotics don't work, that is because your mom is declining both cognitively and physically. I am sorry but your mom needs to be cared for 24/7. She can stay where she is or you can move her to memory care. Has she been seen by a Neurologist or a Psychiatrist?
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Onlychild2024
Report

Take a look at the side effects of any prescription meds she is on. C-Memantine was causing chronic UTI's in Mom. Once I got her off that the UTI's stopped.

Also, consider cranberry tablets.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to brandee
Report
rapidswimmer Oct 31, 2025
I just found the exact same thing in my mom just this month! The neurologist had her on Namenda and after about a year, she became sick with a UTI and for the next year mom had maybe two months out of 12 that she was NOT sick with a UTI. And this UTI was an antibiotic resistant strain that needed a heavy duty antibiotic multiple times. Then in Sept she was hospitalized for it. I finally started looking at everything she was taking which wasn't much and found that Memantine causes bladder irritation and contributes to UTIs. I also found reviews from loved ones saying their loved ones came back from acting like zombies after taking them off this med. My mom was also exhibiting this behavior, not talking to me, staring off into space, etc. I thought this was just because she had been so sick for so long. We just weaned her off of this med. Only time will tell if a UTI will come back, its still too soon. But, my mom is now acting like she did a year ago! She's talking to me again and doing puzzles again and laughing! I am so disappointed in our medical system these days. I spoke with the neurologist multiple times about moms UTIs and had to cancel one apt because she was sick and they NEVER mentioned it. I also found that after a year this medication doesn't really help anymore. At moms last neurologist visit I I told the dr I was very disappointed I had to find this on my own. They ought to pay more attention to side effects of meds in the elderly.
(0)
Report
77 has it all correct, with vaginal hormone cream to boot, there will be no more UTI. Drs are sure UTI? Stick test? Bothersome if bladder is being punctured each time for confirmation.
Testing checks for blood? Sugar?
E-coli? Treatment long enough?Someone there needs to step up and address this age old mentality .…
“old ladies always get them.”
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Cdrickler
Report

She has been under care for a while and it sounds like she is not rallying and going backward. Home care will be challenging. Have you asked for a hospice consult yet?
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to MACinCT
Report

I agree that more information about how they tested her would be helpful.

Once she is clear of the UTI, there are a few preventative things that can be put in place that will help her.

Please be aware that other types of infections can cause neurological symptoms, like sepsis. Or, is she drinking enough fluids? Getting enough electolytes? Elders can easily become dehydrated which also can cause delusions and hallucinations.

How old is your Mom?

I'm so sorry for this turn of events, it's very stressful for you -- I wish you success in getting her appropriate diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Geaton777
Report

Do they do a culture to find out what bacteria is causing the UTI? Knowing the correct bacteria helps get rid of it better. Is she being sent to the hospital for treatment, if not, have her sent. Sometimes IV is needed for a few days. If they won't send her, call 911. This may mean the facility will not take her back and you may have to find another one.

My Mom was given cranberry tablets and a probiotic in her LTC. Before her passing, she had gone over a year with no UTIs. Better to try and prevent it than get rid of it.
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to JoAnn29
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter