My mom has started only going in the bathroom when I tell her. Right now it is first thing in the morning and right before bed at night. She always argues and says she doesn't need to but then will go for a long time. Will this be a new habit every day? Any suggestions?
Is she having UTIs because of the infrequent use of the bathroom?
Are you saying that she only urinates twice a day?
Does she urinate during the day or is incontinent in a diaper?
Your profile says she's got dementia. I would guess that her urinating "problem" is from that. However, you should have her checked for a urinary tract infection.
I'm a nurse for a young man who has autism. He will only void if encouraged (stood up and put the urinal in place). When I first started the job, he would void 1800 ml. (7 1/2 cups) at once. I got him on a schedule of going every 4-6 hours. He urinates much less quantity now at each void because he goes more often.
You may have to "cue" your mother from now on because the signals aren't getting from bladder to brain.
Have her checked out by her MD. I'm sure he'll order a urine test.
I agree with those suggesting involving mother's doctor.
The solution is probably cuing Mom to use the bathroom every 2 to 3 hours. Are you her primary caregiver? Anyone who spends hours with her should know to do this.
We do it with our toddlers and it works pretty well.
"Mom, after you go to the bathroom, we can have a scoop of ice cream."
It's worth a try.
Unless she's not drinking much, she should be urinating more than once every 12 hours.
I guess the goal would be to keep repeating this practice in the hopes that it will become routine. Insist that she go before lunch, after a certain afternoon tv show, and before supper. Insist even if she throws a hissy fit, in the hope that the fits will soon drop off. But I honestly don't know how realistic that is.
I hope other caregivers who have dealt with this successfully will explain how!
Since this has only been going on a couple of weeks, I suggest she be tested for a uti. And I'd also write a note to the doctor explaining what is going on and request that the doctor tell Mom she needs to pee every few hours, regardless of the results of the uti test. Unless your mother has given permission, the doctor can't discuss her case with you, but can listen/read what you have to say.
Here it is..."Never trust a fart or pass up a chance to use a rest room."
Ya think if you posted some reminder around that it would help?
Do you think something like that would help with the bathrooms breaks? It may have to be some sort of timer rather than a normal clock.