Mum has fallen several times in the last few weeks, and has aspirated food on a few occasions. Is her dementia progressing faster?
Mum was placed in a nursing home about a month ago. She has fallen several times since then, and on one occasion has badly bruised her wrist and fractured her pelvis on the left side. Surgeon felt given her age and dementia that surgery wasn't the best choice so long as the fracture didn't worsen. She has also aspirated her food on two occasions when I took her out for dinner in the last few weeks. She keeps falling, even under the watchful eye of the nursing staff.
She has been at mid-stage dementia for 3+ years now. Some days her memory is pretty solid, most days it's a jumble, and she won't remember the conversation we had 10 minutes ago but can remember she has an appointment with one of her doctors.
Are the increased rate of falling and the aspirations a sign that her dementia is progressing faster? I've barely begun to adjust to her being in a nursing home, and now I wonder if I have to adjust to this change as well. I'd love to hear your thoughts and advice. Thank you all.
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Your mom's memory sounds much better than my cousin's. She was stable for the last year, but recently has declined. I regularly go to the stages list to see what functions are lost towards the End Stage. It's given me time to adjust and accept what is inevitable.
I'm curious about your mom's aspiration. Was it immediately noticeable? Eating seems to be the only thing my cousin still enjoys, so I'm dreading the day she struggles or has aspiration. I watch her like a hawk as she eats.
Another thing that might be contributing to your mom's recent decline is her new environment. Big changes can be difficult even though they frequently have to be made.
There are numerous changes that go along with dementia. Bad days and good days. New symptoms. We get used to and comfortable with the way things are and then some new thing comes along and we have to adjust all over again.
Upside? She's where there is a Dr. No making an appointment and getting her ready and getting her there. You're not alone in this anymore. There are nurses and aides who are doing the job that you would have to do alone. Your mom is in the right place.