Also.... "I want my teeth," and "I want a drink" and all these things will have been done for her. She will yell all day and throughout the night. When we go in and ask her what is wrong she says nothing. She also yells "please don't" and says my name or my dad's name. I am scared that a neighbor will think she is being hurt and police called and I'll end up going to jail or my mom being taken away. My dad can't sleep nor can myself or my 14-year-old. He works at home and my daughter has school. Why is my mom ranting all the time? People have said it's not normal that something else is going on. Any suggestions?
My Husband moaned. Sometimes loudly, sometimes a bit more quiet but it was constant.
If you have ever been in a hospital or facility and hear someone yelling "help me" or crying out in what sounds like pain often this is the same as what your mom is doing.
There are medications that can help with the anxiety. Talk to her doctor about it. make sure that the phrases that she uses is documented just in case there is a call the doctors office can verify that this has been an ongoing issue and that you are dealing with it.
Reassure your mom that she is safe.
If she is in a different room bring her to the room where people are this m ight help if she is feeling isolated.
At night if she is kept busy during the day and is on a set schedule and with the proper medication she may have an easier time getting to sleep.
There are over the counter products that might help. Sleepytime tea might help.
AVOID over the counter nighttime sleep products and things like Benadryl these can make a person with dementia have an even foggier brain in the morning and it may last a much longer time.
It may get to a point where you might have to consider Memory Care for her so that the rest of the family can survive. This is not giving up it just means that her needs are more than you can handle at home.
**a side note here....
If she is in pain then the calling out is completely understandable and the pain issue should be addressed.
there is a good possibility that with the diagnosis of dementia, the fact that he is now confined to bed she may be eligible for Hospice. Their goal is to make sure that she is not in pain and she is comfortable. It might be worth a call to the Hospice of your choice and have her evaluated. Getting a GOOD alternating pressure mattress is important not only for her comfort but to help prevent pressure sores.
I wish you the very very best. I am so sorry these are such tough times. I do think it is time to plan on long term care.
Your main goal is to care for your 14 year old, who should not be subjected to your mom ranting and raving 24/7 and to have their childhood ruined in the process. Look into Memory Care Assisted Living for her so ALL of you can live a normal life moving forward now. It's the right thing to do.
Educate yourself about dementia/ALZ and what lies ahead for you if you insist on taking care of her inside the home. Of course it's not 'normal' that she's ranting all the time; but then again, there is nothing 'normal' about Alz/dementia!
I suggest you read this 33 page booklet (a free download) which has THE best information ever about managing dementia and what to expect with an elder who's been diagnosed with it.
Understanding the Dementia Experience, by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210580
Another good book is Living in the Labyrinth: A Personal Journey Through the Maze of Alzheimer's, by Diana Friel McGowin.
Good luck getting mom's doctor involved with her care now, getting her calming meds, and making a decision about her future care.