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As a retired geriatric nurse, UTIs can cause severe confusion & almost dementia-like behaviors! Seniors never drink enough fluids & don't realize when they're getting dehydrated.
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If it is a change in behavior, you may want to do a little more checking. A urinary tract infection can cause all kinds of symptoms. I just read an article about it causing depression in a parent. I went to visit my mom and she all of a sudden said, "My knees!" and very gently went down on the carpet. She stayed there awhile until she felt better and got to a chair. She did this 3 times per day for 2 days. She was also quite tired afterwards. After a visit to the ER with blood and urine checks, it was determined she had a UTI. She was given a prescription for antibiotics for 5 days. She has improved daily. Her doctor said elderly ladies can have very strange reactions. After checking on the internet, there are all kinds of symptoms which don't seem connected to a UTI. She had none of the "regular" symptoms listed. She had a UTI 7 weeks ago, so we are going to keep a close watch. Some things we are doing: trying to increase her fluid intake; being more careful with cleaning genital area; working on not wearing disposable diapers all the time (setting timer to remind her to go periodically). I hope this helps.
P.S. My mother lives alone with support from neighbors that bring her dinner, carry her trash off, mow her lawn, etc. She is a real pleasure to be around.
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Well. I am 75 and an introvert and I LOVE being alone. At 88 I would think I will love being alone even more. However, since it is a change in behaviour it might be worth asking your mum - since she is, according to you, sharp as a tack, why she is choosing to be alone more. Some people withdraw if they are not feeling well, or if they are experiencing changes with which they are not comfortable. Good luck and let us know how it works out. So nice to hear about a mum who, over all, fits in well. hugs and blessings Joan
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How is her vision? Any new health concern or discomfort? Does she listen to music or talk radio, read or just sit? Did anything happen within the house that may have made her insecure?
If none of these things, maybe she is reflecting on her life. How nice to have a Mother like that. Enjoy:) xo
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Some people really do prefer to spend time alone. That is how they recharge their batteries. Perhaps the frequent interaction with the family is wearing her out and she is finally reverting to what she prefers. I'd only be concerned is she seems moody or unhappy. Total isolation is probably not ideal, either, so I hope she can be coaxed out for meals or occasional movie-watching, etc.

Does your mother happen to an basically an introvert?
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Probably not a problem, just concern for her. :)
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Thanks Jessie.. She seems content.. Maybe the person with a problem is me..
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If she seems content, I wouldn't worry about it. It may be like her room is her own apartment to her, where she can kick back and do what she wants. If she seems unhappy, however, you may want to find out what is going on and to make sure she feels like part of the family.
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