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NNYnNYGfan Asked February 2012
How to keep a dementia patient in bed during the night?
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My mom just got diagnosed with dementia & is all confused with time. She keeps thinking she's either late for something or is in the wrong house. She cannot hold her own weight so she falls. I've taken to sleeping with her cause I can stop her before she has 1 leg out. 5 minutes later it's the same scenario over & over. Sleeping pills just make her groggy. She finally fall into a deep sleep around 5am. Bedrails just make her angry & gives her super powers as shr tries to climb over them. Anyone know a trick?
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Grammyteacher Sep 2016
I also use a baby monitor with visual and soind. I heard from a friend the he hung a mirror on the back of the door. When his wife saw her reflection, she was a bit confused and went a different direction. It might be worth a try! Good luck.....when I hear these stories I am thankful my mom can no longer walk
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GivingItMyAll Sep 2016
I feel for you. There have been similar posts recently, see about searching for the ideas that have been given before. Some people have tried a Dutch door solution, that is to have a half door that can be locked, but the upper left open. There are motion detectors, mats that are alarms when they are stepped on. At the very least, put double keyed dead bolts on the outside doors. The key can be hung on a hook nearby in case of emergency. I have read that a STOP sign on the door can deter someone from using that door. Also, if the door can be camouflaged by hanging a wallpaper on it, or painting it the same color as the wall, that will deter some people. An inexpensive driveway alarm can be helpful, used indoors. I hope that you can find a way to keep your mother safe. As far as letting the dogs out, maybe they can be crated in a locked room. You don't want to lose them in the process. Oh yes, I almost didn't think to mention this. I have, for many years, used a baby monitor that is audio/video. I can hear mom when she makes any noise and check on her without having to leave the comfort of my bed. If she needs me, then I get up. It has a two way audio so that I could talk to her, although she is beyond that at this point. You can find the "search" window on the upper left of your screen in the blue bar are three parallel bars next to AgingCare.com. Click on them and at the top of the drop down window is the search window.
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Grammyteacher Sep 2016
This is a common issue. You may need to hire a night person to be sure she is safe. There are also alarms...mat alarms, door alarms, etc. So you know when they are up and moving. Bed rails are dangerous.
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rascallady Sep 2016
My Mom is 83. Her body is still in great shape, that's the problem. Her mind is gone. She wanders all night long, putting all the lights on, opening doors, going out on the deck, letting the dogs out. I don't know what to do.
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anonymous95109 Feb 2012
NNY: I don't know the answer, but I do agree that a low bed will help prevent falling injuries. My dad had that in rehab also, plus next to the side of the bed was a thick rubber mat that would also soften a fall. The bed could be lowered to the floor. I would also mention that bed railings can cause injuries. As you said, she gets super powers trying to climb over them. Sometimes they can get their leg caught up in the railings, causing a broken bone. I feel for you. You must be exhausted.
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geewiz Feb 2012
Get a new bed (Medicare pays) that you can lower so she won't fall out. That is what they are using for my Mom in AL. It is also what they used when she was in rehab.
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