I had to take her out (what a chore!) to receive spinal epidurals yesterday. It was horrible getting her out of wheelchair into the car and the reverse a few times. Probably last time I do it since now in wheelchair full time. She said to me “it won’t be much longer” when I asked her what she meant by that she responded “I don’t have to tell you!” Should I be talking to her doctor about it or let it go as long as she’s eating and getting out of bed each day? I know she feels helpless and yet is stubborn. For example, she fell last week self transitioning from wheelchair to bed. Xrays had to be taken of her hip, one of which was replaced a few years ago. I’m afraid she’s being deliberately reckless and stubborn. And I don’t really know what to do about it.
I wouldn't give it any brain time, she has enough eyes on her that she will get medical care when it is required.
Toughest thing I ever had to do was place my dad, you would have thought I made him old and sick. Oh well, it is what it is.
Find the humor in things and depend on her caregivers to notify you if she is displaying anything that requires medical attention.
Hugs!
My LO kept falling and getting fractures, including spinal fractures. At the time she was in regular AL and I was transporting her to and from so many doctor appointments......and her in wheelchair, transferring in parking lot, all alone, no help....it's maddening. I get it. Try to get some help or get others to transport. After, I got her into MC they did all transportation. Not sure why you had to take her out of LTC, but, I'd consider the progression of her condition. She may become wheelchair bound and need two person assist to transfer. It's a huge challenge, especially, if you have to keep transporting with no help in your own car, unless wheelchair accessible. You might explore Doctors who make house calls. There are groups who do this for seniors, disabled, etc.
One thing that helped my LO with her spinal fractures was Cymbalta. It's treats pain, anxiety and depression. I'd explore meds with her doctor to make sure she's properly treated for pain. She may not be able to fully report pain due to dementia. Her Ortho doctor may want to see her back periodically to check status of healing in her fractures. I asked about shots for my LO, but, ortho said she was not a candidate. Not sure why. Eventually, she did heal, but, stayed wheelchair bound. That was almost 5 years ago.
No matter where she is, constant supervision may be needed to keep her from falling. That's usually not possible anywhere though. You might explore alarms for her bed and wheelchair. The alarm sounds, so you can get to her if she tries to get up. The legality varies by state, I'd check with a professional on these things or discuss with her doctor.