My mother has lived with me for 5 years. I am about at my wits end. I am looking for help to either place her in assisted living or get someone to come into the home. We went to a specialist to get evaluated for her memory loss and confusion. I waited almost 4 weeks for the test result. The nurse called me and just said she doesn't have dementia. Even though she continuously losses words in a conversation, Can no longer read a menu to order food, Can't remember how to sign her name, wanders around my house endless hours. I am at a loss of what to do now. Does anyone have some advice
All of these things happened for us when we took my mom to a Memory Center. She was interviewed extensively by the specialist (geriatric psychiatrist) and a social worker. My brother and I were interviewed as well, while my mother was getting weighed and measured, etc. We were given all the results within days.
Check with your local home health services. If you think your mom needs assistance, then she probably does. The home health people or your local council on aging can steer you to a reliable memory center or a doctor specializing in geriatric psychiatry so you can get a second opinion. Trust your gut instincts. You're just starting down the long, winding road of caring for someone with dementia. Keep us posted, and I wish you luck!
Who picks her up when she falls? I had to call in the Paramedics when my Mom fell because she was utter deadweight.
Kind of sad, but if you are letting her call all the shots instead of taking charge, everything will take longer requiring "proof" until she gives up. It's really very remarkable if you look at it from that perspective. They are trying to survive:( xo