Both my parents have dementia, but my dad is getting much worse this fall. They live in Assisted Living. I was recently told by the head nurse that when the health aides give him a bath or take him to the toilet, he wants to touch them or himself inappropriately. I am absolutely heartbroken, as my dad was a loving father, who faithfully served and loved my mom for over 60 years. He was a godly man who cared for our family and home. Right now I feel like hiding away and crying for days. I have prayed that God would peacefully take him before this gets worse. I have been told this is a part of dementia, but I feel so hurt and brokenhearted. Will Assisted Living kick him out if it continues? He was recently put on an anti-depressant and, for the first time in months, he is more joyful and upbeat. Unfortunately, this also seemed to start at the same time. Should we take him off of the antidepressant? Can anyone relate? I sure could use some encouragement.
i have zero experience with dementia but I bet the AL has experience in this. Good to have open communication with staff. Did the head nurse indicated that your dad was going to have to be moved? What was her attitude about the deal? Was she just keeping you up dated?
anti-depression meds can be tricky to find the right type and dosage and sometimes need adjusting. I am currently on two different type of anti-depression meds, anti-anxiety meds, restless legs meds that’d doubles as pain management and finally sleep aid meds. Bit of an cocktail and sometimes some of them it take as needed.
what I am saying don’t give up and go have a good cry, it helps.
Perhaps they can prescribe something that will help with this issue. It’s a common one we see here on this site.
I’m so sorry that your Dad and you are both suffering with this challenge. So difficult.