I've been keeping a sort of "incident log" on Mom for the past six months or so. Things like falls, major episodes of confusion, her trying to leave, etc. Recently, I read something that mentioned keeping track of the little things like being confused about the day of the week, etc. Is there a rule of thumb here? What do doctors and LTC look for? For instance, this morning, she walked into my husband's office (thinking it was her bedroom), opened the closet door, and told him she was looking for her hairpins. Besides her going into the wrong room... she hasn't used hairpins in 50 years. Is that something worth noting? I'm just not sure how detailed I should be in my notes.
I'm sorry for your loss and I hope that those lovely memories, whilst bringing pain will also bring you comfort.
Wishing you well.
can you imagine someone doing that to you or I?
if you notice your mother forgetful then she’s forgetful
it didn’t have to be micro managed
you may be well organised but it will send even the most organised person over the edge or those around you having to cope with the obsession
if you have reason fir concern just tell doctor
shes getting more forgetful
shes having regular falls I’d like a review of her health and tablets please
Good luck
So, perhaps you can use that criteria in deciding what to record or not record. Does her action or non-action indicate an impact on her ability to function on a daily basis. Your log can determine a pattern of remaining constant or declining and in what areas it is declining.
Good luck, I hope this helps.
Note taking can help with noticing a pattern. I wished my stepdad would have done that when caring for my mum because he didn't notice the changes, or when her symptoms were worse. I think that's because he was there all the time and everything seemed to run in together and get jumbled.
For me, visiting once or twice a week (at that time) I could see the changes and recognised when Mum may have had a TIA or an epileptic fit the night before, or when she was dehydrated, and how her different behaviour would fit in with that.
It matters, especially when noticing patterns can help with how you care for a person. Or, as in the OP's situation, it could help with funding for care.
Also have a Neurologist order a brain scan. When my mom fell and she had to go to the ER. The hospital ran a test that showed she was showing early signs of Dementia. My mom started to become delusional. Urinary Tract Infections can also cause delusions too. I made the hospital keep my mom since she could no longer live alone. I eventually had my mom sent to skilled nursing and rehab. My mom had to be placed in a personal care home. There is going to be a time, when unfortunately your mom's health will decline. This is what happens and I am sorry.
As far as your journaling, you only have to give a couple of suspicians in you contact to the doctor.
Now I do keep a small journal on my husband because he is a patient of a geriatric psych and he has a couple of appointments a year. Again I just verify if behaviors continue or if there is a new level of development
What I recommend to people who are POA for someone is a daily diary. Aside from the meticulous records keeping of every penny into and out of accounts, which you must keep by law, it is good to have a daily account of such things as appetite changes, weight changes, medication changes, falls, and etc.
Any incident or request made is important of course such as "Added every 2 hour checks to mom's care plan".
What you want is a record you can check back on. Say you are finding your mom has lost her appetite. Then it's important to know if there's a reason, for instance a new pill that is causing appetite suppression, etc.
If Mom is in care I am uncertain why you are so into keeping this running account?
Perhaps you could say more?
You may, as you read through your entries, realize that there's a pattern going on; her confusion is greater in the morning, and she's sleeping more in the afternoon, and why does doctor think that is?
Just an example of how you can use your notes.
things like
weight loss, increased sleeping, eating more, eating less, being more confused as to location might be something to note.
It depends on how "independent" mom is.
If she has always (since the diagnosis) kept herself groomed then all of a sudden she stops.
If he was continent of bowel but not now, that is a decline. (common to be urine incontinent but still bowel continent)
Increased agitation. Make note of the time of day. (sundowning)
If mom was dressing herself but now can't, that is a decline
Withdrawing from people and activities. That is a decline.
Talking less, or not at all.
Trouble eating or drinking. Coughing , choking, pocketing food.
Anything that you notice that might be a decline make note of it. It may not mean anything now but in a month it might mean a lot.