Mom is having an increasingly difficult time. According to one aid and one nurse, individually they both reported to me that she has often become very confused, insisting on going home. According to the reports I got she raises her voice and becomes argumentative and verbally abusive to both staff and other residents. Both staff members expressed that they understand the behavior and recognize that it is not consistent with the mild-mannered person they see all day, it is Sundowning. However they have asked for my assistance. I advised them to begin giving the Mirtazapine at dinner as I think this may help with the early evening sundowning. Any other thoughts about what we can do? Thanks.
Is she getting the Mirtazapine currrently at a different time of the day? How long has she been on it? WebMD info says it can take up to 4 weeks to start working. Why do you think giving it to her at dinner will change anything? Not challenging you, just needing more info so that responders can give you better guidance.
This is beyond ridiculous behavior on their part. This memory care facility should be very well versed on this very common issue among residents and have trained staff who know how to distract and comfort upset elders. I'd demand a care meeting immediately with the admin to see how THEY plan to handle this situation or when you should plan to move mom out to a facility who knows what they're doing!