How and when do I call hospice in?
Mom dosent know me anymore , I called her mom and she said she wasn't my mother . I showed her pictures of me , my brother and sister and she remembered my sister dying 3 years ago but not me . She is also hallucinating , dosent have a UTI , she gets nasty to me. My brother is no where us , since Gerilyn died it's mom and I . She's at least calling me Beth now ... She asked me if a picture on the fireplace mantel was me , I said yes ! She said " put that statue in front of your picture!" Lol I said okay and I did...her neuro put her on seroquel for the voices , but it sure isn't doing much 75mg QHS ...I am a RN but I don't know much about Dementia or Alzehemiers ..although I've been learning a lot since my sister died..i have a caregiver for her when I'm working .. Please tell me when do I call hospice ? I sometimes feel very alone . And not sure what to next or what to expect ...thank you for your help in advance..she is eating and drinking ,some swallowing difficulty I think she needs a swallowing test ... Is it normal for Alzehemiers pts to have pts swallowing liquids...I purée her food and she loves it ... Drinking fluids she have difficulty ..I'm a Rehab nurse ( physical ) so I know she needs a swallow eval I thicken her liquids for the most part ...anyway .. How and when do I call hospice in? Thank you
I'd try to keep in mind that her comments are likely to be bizarre, insulting and even untrue, so as not to take them so personally. Providing at home around the clock care is quite stressful. I'd work on getting some extra help and consider if it's for you. It's not for everyone. There are other options.
I would read a lot about the condition so as to understand that her not remembering you is a symptom of the disease. I bet it still stings though. I hope you are able to get some support. Do you have that with family and friends?
In reference to you question about swallowing. My cousin has Vascular dementia and is advanced (Wheelchair, double incontinent, limited verbal skills) yet, she still seems to eat fine with no swallowing issues, though I watch for it carefully. It is something that may be common and most dementia patients though. Most all of them that I know have gotten it. I would pursue the swallowing assessment.