My mother has a bladder infection, how do I address this?

My mother just got over a UTI. Once she's on the antibiotics, she's less crazy the next day and after a couple more days Mom is back to her "normal" dementia.

I am sure they did a culture, if not they need to. Unfortunately this is not an uncommon problem as geriatric patients do not empty their bladder properly leaving residual urine in the bladder. Is your mother diabetic, if so monitor her blood sugar as this can affect urinary tract infections. Is she incontinent, if not watch for dark, clouded urine. Often if you can catch it early, you may prevent her from feeling so bad. Lots, of fluids, she may also be dehydrated which magnifies the problem. Hope this helps, good luck!

I didn't know about how easy it was for the elderly to get UTIs NOR what it would do to their cognition. From my experience with my Dad, the cognition starts to come back after a few days on the antibiotics. When we was hospitalized, it took weeks beyond the antibiotics for the delusions and confusion to abate; that's due to a phenomenon that many elderly experience, referred to as "hospital-induced dementia." Apparently, every infection diminishes them a little more, when they reach the frail elderly point. And that's when you notice that they are less able to compensate for the dementia they have already been experiencing. So, while we notice it more, that doesn't mean it is actually getting worse. Not very comforting, in a way, I know. Good luck!

prissypricilla,

You are not alone here. Many caregivers experience this while caring for their elderly loved ones. I have attached two articles that can provide great insight while dealing with this problem. Also, read the members comments below (and feel free to comment). You will find many other caregivers similar stories.

Urinary Tract Infections in the Elderly
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/Elderly-urinary-tract-infections-146026.htm

and

Incontinence and Bladder Control
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/An-Overview-of-Urinary-Incontinence-96655.htm

Hope this helps.
Karie H.

Another thought: Dehydration can also wreak havoc with our brains. Dehydration can cause confusion that can mimic dementia. So, push the fluids. It is so very important. I offer green tea, cranberry juice, water with a slice of lemon. Avoid orange juice - very bad if you have a tendency towards UTI's. Watch the color of her urine. When it looks like ALE or dark beer - start pushing fluids big time. Her urine should look like 'light beer.' Her nurse used this analogy and it helps me to know when she could be in trouble and we can avert a problem by making sure she drinks plenty of fluids.

I'm confused. It sounds like you don't think she is sick, let alone dying, so I don't understand why you brought in hospice. And it sounds like you want hospice findings to be such that she would be disqualified for hospice. I probably am just missing a few details. What is it you want input about?

her Dr. Thought Hospice would be good for my mom to help me out. My mom is really no problem. When Hospicemcame to my house they told me that Hospice is not what people think it is. it's to help with comfort care. MY mom Really needs no comfort because she is very comfortable. I feed her constantly, she is bathed, cleaned and changed clothes. She is well taken care of. I watch her like a hawk 24/7. She is never alone. But this hospice still has the idea that they are there because she is dying. In a real sense we are all dying. Not every 92 yr old needs hospice. By them being here gives me the sense they are just waiting for her to die. Theyngive no encouragement to her, like telling her she is doing good, she looks good, they are there to keep her well. Nothing.... So the drs order to bring them in to "help" me was wrong. the nurse wants or is waiting for her to die. Like I said before all the vitals she takes are very low, yet the vitals I take are all NORMAL. I just don't want people around who look for death. She wanted to give my mom antibiotics because my mom was confused 1 day without taking a urine culture. I am in the medical profession since 1972. This hospice is aware of and cannot make decisions by themselves.

Anali, If you read this entire thread, you will get some answers, as well as links to two articles on the subject.

Do you think they keep her clean enough in the NH?

Just found this thread. So is orange juice BAD for UTI? That's what mom wants most. She also drinks Cranberry juice. But does OJ hurt?
I'm trying to get her over a bad one right now. Anyone know?

If I may scoot in here.... my 74 year old MIL is apparently significantly incontinent and uses urinary pads. Could those contribute to UTI's? She also has poorly controlled type II diabetes and has been acting stranger than usual. Apparently she is depending on the poise pads.