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They have to medicate her sometimes because it disturbs the other residents. She is aware that she’s doing it and I’ve tried to reason with her to no avail. She says “she’s bored.” She even sat outside in her wheelchair and started yelling to where this lady came over and asked if she needed the police!! She doesn’t yell when she’s entertained but leave her by herself, the yelling starts. I come to see her and she’s snowed in bed because of all of the prns they have to give her. She calls me a couple days later and tells me how much she misses me and that she’s lonely. She had a hair appointment today. My hair dresser was driving up to see her to do her hair today and I had to cancel the appointment because she wouldn’t wake up & get out of bed. This is just so hard for me…..I really try to do right by her…. I’m all she’s got.

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She should be getting medications on a regular daily schedule to keep her moods balanced and on an even keel, not just sporadically or "sometimes" or "as needed." Get her a geriatric psychiatrist to prescribe them. Then she won't be overdosed or underdosed. It may take some time to get the dosage right but will be worthwhile.
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Reply to MG8522
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I've noticed the staff at mom's facility can tell the different voices apart. One lady used to yell all the time and they would just move her around so she at least got a new view. It never was an emergency to them. Recently someone yelled and several staff members came running worried someone had fallen. I think staff members get used to it when they know it is not serious. I'm glad she is being medicated, but it may take a while to get the dose right, as others have said.
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Reply to JustAnon
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My very elderly Aunt with advanced dementia did this... while she was waiting in the car for me in her bank's parking lot. She decided to open the door and start yelling "help". Yes, the police showed up in the bank looking for me.

It was a phase and she eventually stopped doing it. Medication didn't seem to work to stop it, but I would still recommend medication for depression, anxiety and agitation. If she's groggy it may be her adjusting to the meds or it may be they are not the right meds or in the right dosage for her. It does take time to sort this out but it most likely will be worth it.

People with impaired memory cannot remember that they were just "entertained" so there is no point in fretting over this complaint of boredom. Redirect the conversation or distract her or let some of those calls go to voicemail. Try to remember she is getting care and has a loving adult child watching over her. This is more than many seniors in the world get, so count her blessings for her. May you receive peace in your heart on this journey.
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Reply to Geaton777
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Yelling for help is typical dementia behavior. Either resign to listening to her or medicate to the point where she can no longer yell. There’s no good choice, and I’m sorry it’s happening.
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Reply to Fawnby
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Sounds like the medication isn't quite sorted out, there should be a place between yelling and zoned out. Mom shouldn’t be agitated and yelling, though I will say it seems every facility does seem to have its “help me!” residents. Much like the boy who cried wolf, the staff tends to just go on with their day as they are used to it, but it can be upsetting to others. Work with the doctor to hopefully find the right med at the right dose, and also know you’re already doing right by her. She’s at the point of more issues with less great solutions, not your fault, just sadly inevitable
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Reply to Daughterof1930
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What would you like to see happen here? If mom is not medicated, she's screaming HELP all day for no reason. She's obviously agitated. Dementia is a no win situation for all concerned. I used to pray for God to take my mother with dementia out of her misery daily.

When hospice came on board, they scheduled her for Ativan on a regular basis. Not a huge dose to knock her out, but enough that she'd slow down from looking for her dead relatives in all the closets that she insisted I'd locked up in there.

Best of luck to you.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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