As we all know, being a caregiver is the most stressful job there is. I am on AgingCare lots asking questions because right now my life is a big question! During the past 5 months, my Mom, 94 with dementia, slept all the time, in her chair all day, went to bed with the chickens 5-6 o'clock and didn't get up until 1011 o'clock. During the last part of July and the month of August, she will NOT go to sleep. I actually think she just goes to bed to lay down to rest, NOT sleep!
I am exhausted and the minute I set down, I am out like a light. This happens to me 3-4 times a day, and maybe more. This is NOT good, because I need to be awake for her. Her eyes never leave me! She stares a hole through me from the time she gets up, until she goes to bed. Most of the time I have to leave the room or go outside, so therefore there is not a lot I get done in the kitchen, den, laundry room until she goes to bed, and then I am too tired! I hate my kitchen, she watches every move I make and it is like I am invading her territory. She glares at me when I load the dishwasher. I usually keep a few odds and ends in the sink so she thinks she is doing something big washing dishes, but her nose
runs practically non stop and drips and she doesn't know it, so I'm not a real big
fan of her doing major dishes! Plus, she is on Pradaxa for blood clots in the lungs and she is always finding kitchen knives to wash and just one experience of her cutting her hand was all I needed with that. Can anyone tell me what is
going on??? It is like she has gotten a new "burst" of life and makes me look like the person who has the problems. I am so tired and stressed and confused and even her doctor is confused, because she has been at death's door so many times and overcome it. The dementia continues to worsen, but this "new lease on life" has really got me puzzled. I am so stressed, I am afraid I am a heart attack waiting to happen. Could you nice people please give me some advice or tell me what is going on? Or, have you experienced this yourselves?
I will anxiously be waiting your reply and help and thanks so much in advance!!
doing" and she said "Getting Up"! So I told her it was midnight and put her back to bed! Then I go in at 5:45 this morning to get the garbage can and change the
kitty litter in the bathroom (Mom is totally deaf without her hearing aids) I hear her
say "Norma Jean, I pulled the clock out of the wall cause it was blinking" (the
power had flickered). So there is definitely a sleeping problem, or is it the dementia kicking in, big time?? Any help, ideas or comments will again be appreciated! Thanks!
One shortcoming of melatonin that I have found is it does help me fall asleep, but it doesn't help to keep me asleep. You may find that it the case for your mother, too. But even if she doesn't stay asleep for long, it will give you some rest time.
One thing about Alz is that things will change. Somewhere down the line, your mother may be sleeping most of the day and night. That doesn't help right now, though. The melatonin might be good, and if it doesn't work, let your mother's doctor know she isn't sleeping. He may prescribe something temporarily, with an eye to giving you a break so you can sleep. The only alternative I can see is hiring a part-time caregiver to watch while you sleep. I hope that this phase of the Alz passes soon, because I know it is difficult for you.
is safe, especially at 93 years old. The Pradaxa does cause insomnia, keeps you from sleeping or resting and I'm thinking back and it was about the same time as her last hospital stay and they put her on Pradaxa for blood clots in her lungs that her sleeplessness started and the UTI is another thing I need to look into. She is wearing me out! Thanks again and anything else you all can think of, please let me know!