Is your mother living alone? Does she have caregivers coming in? Who goes with her to doctor appointments and manages her finances?
Past the very early stages, a person with dementia cannot live alone. So, care for her, either in a care center or in her residence should be on the list of things that need tending to.
She should be tested, immediately, for a UTI, as they can cause psychiatric symptoms like the ones you describe.
Bottom line is that she has had a change in mental status and needs to be seen by a medical practice asap.
Pattij, learn everything you can about Alzheimer's/Dementia as it is quite a journey. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to the blue section... click on ALZHEIMER'S CARE... now click on the articles. Read, read, read.
Arm yourself with as much info as you can. It won't make it any easier but at least you will understand what the heck is going on with your Mom. It is so sad to see our parent slide down into that state of mind :(
Pattij, Do you have the ability to discuss her condition and behavior with her doctor? I'd try to do that if possible. She could have a UTI or some other condition, but, it could be her dementia. I'd try to figure it out.
Do you know what the police or EMS said when they arrived to her house? Depending on how they found her, they may report her situation to social services if they think she is not safe being alone. If you have the ability and authority, I'd try to get someone to be with her at all times, until you can figure out a plan for her care.
WE have a family friend, who had dementia, who called the police about someone he thought had broken into his house. Later, he hurt himself severely due to his belief that there were other people in his house. I'd explore help for her pronto.
You need to get her to her primary. She needs tests done to make sure its not diabetes, UTI, potassium, a stroke or pnemonia. All can cause Dementia type symptoms. If it is found she has Dementia then she no longer can be left alone. Then the decision comes if she lives with a family member or u choose LT care. ALs are nice but are limited in the type of care given. My Mom was living in one and continued to go down hill little by little. I am now wondering if maybe LT should have been my first choice. But then I know how fast she would go downhill.
Yes, start with the primary care doc. If she has dementia too, it could be Lewy Body Dementia, which has hallucinations as a core symptom. LBD diagnosis is important because there are a number of medications to avoid, as they are dangerous, even life threatening.
PattiJ, also, if possible have someone check inside your mom's house. I'd check to make sure that she doesn't have spoiled food in fridge, undone laundry, meds not taken, unpaid bills, etc. Sometimes, there are other indications that things are not okay in the home. I might talk to her friends or neighbors. They may know things that could reflect on her recent behavior. This kind of information is needed for the doctor, so he has the full picture.
Past the very early stages, a person with dementia cannot live alone. So, care for her, either in a care center or in her residence should be on the list of things that need tending to.
She should be tested, immediately, for a UTI, as they can cause psychiatric symptoms like the ones you describe.
Bottom line is that she has had a change in mental status and needs to be seen by a medical practice asap.
Arm yourself with as much info as you can. It won't make it any easier but at least you will understand what the heck is going on with your Mom. It is so sad to see our parent slide down into that state of mind :(
Do you have the ability to discuss her condition and behavior with her doctor? I'd try to do that if possible. She could have a UTI or some other condition, but, it could be her dementia. I'd try to figure it out.
Do you know what the police or EMS said when they arrived to her house? Depending on how they found her, they may report her situation to social services if they think she is not safe being alone. If you have the ability and authority, I'd try to get someone to be with her at all times, until you can figure out a plan for her care.
WE have a family friend, who had dementia, who called the police about someone he thought had broken into his house. Later, he hurt himself severely due to his belief that there were other people in his house. I'd explore help for her pronto.