Blind Mom in AFC home but is now urinating/pooping all over her room. Any advice?

I don't think anyone needs to tell you pooping and peeing all over her room is not typical behavior for someone who is "normal", right? I agree 1000% with Babalou that it's not unheard of for someone to pass some basic questions and participate in a normal conversation for a period of time - but who clearly has dementia. My mother did it for years! In fact my mom has an appointment next week to be reevaluated by a Gereatric Psyh. I'm more than a little apprehensive that she'll be having one of her good days and pass the tests - on a good day she can hold it together for quite a while. My only hope is that it is a 90 minute appointment and at this point in her dementia, I think that would be a stretch for her. Get your mom an appointment for a full neurological cognitive test. Before the appointment take some time to write out a few notes - really think it through. I missed dozens of signs indicating my mother was in real trouble. Is mom bathing, taking her medications, what does she say about these "accidents" - does her explanation make any real sense? You have the extra challenge of your mother being blind so I'm assuming a certain amount of daily functions are done with assistance. For instance, my mother could no longer manage her checkbook - simple math threw her. How is moms appearance? Any change in eating? Do some studying on the signs of dementia. Be prepared to discuss your notes with the dr doing the evaluation. If it's not a UTI or dementia - it's certainly something!

I'd have them revisit her mental state. Most people with dementia do develop odd bathroom habits or incontinence. It's not uncommon. Her memory could be pretty good, but sometimes the behavior is off and indicates either a stroke or something else going on like Alzheimers, or some other disease that leads to dementia.

I have a friend who's mother lived in his basement apt. She seemed pretty lucid to me, but she would poop all over the floor, walls, furniture. They couldn't get her to stop doing it. Her memory seemed pretty good at that point, but they had to place her into AL and soon the other symptoms of dementia were revealed.

Ruled out dementia? Did you read the whole assessment on intake? Did you call the MD and report the change of status? Did you call the Director of Nursing and request a review? I would do all those things.

In what regard have they ruled out dementia? Have they done extensive neuro cognitive testing (which can be difficult with a blind client). You can have a wonderful auditory memory and still have dementia, so if they are doing to "who is the president, remember these three things and tell me where you are", no, that doesn't rule out dementia.

What is the reason SHE gives for this sudden change? It sounds as though she needs a higher level of care.