So, finally got mom diagnosed with severe sleep apnea with need for lots of pressure to keep her oxygen level up and airway open.
But due to her confusion, she can't remember how to put the mask on after 6 days! Has to get up multiple times a night to pee so has to take the mask off. Then, party's over. I won't stay up all night dealing with this! I have to sleep at night. I hired (with mom's $) someone to try to help her for the past 2 nights and things are no better than before.
Advice? Are there solutions for confused people? I was hoping her confusion would reduce with the use of the CPAP but if she can't/won't use it, she'll never get good sleep and that will keep her confused. UGHHHHHH
I can't imagine a confused elder would ever really adjust to such a thing and wonder why it was prescribed in the first place. You can't expect her to manage it, nor can you stay up all night yourself managing it FOR her. Send it back and let the chips fall where they might with your mother, that's my suggestion. Not everything is fixable with dementia; in fact, very little IS.
I wonder, after mom puts the mask on and off enough times, will she be able to remember??? I know - it's becoming more clear that this just might not work. That makes me soooo sad. This was my last hope for resolving anything with her capabilities. We've done blood work and med changes, which did not help at all. CRAP.
No advice, but I totally hear you! Best of luck!
So sorry that your mom gave up! I am so hopeful that this does not happen to me. She lives with me and the tiredness and confusion obviously have a huge impact on her behavior and our relationship.
Did you mean they can or can not learn new things?
I've see ads for adjustable beds that simulate how someone can automatically raise up their bed partner's side and stop their snoring. Maybe try raising up her head and shoulders a little? Hoping the noise isn't keeping YOU up at night!
My husband and I have that bed! It was either that, or one of us (HIM!) was moving upstairs. Horrible snoring and I can use a remote to raise his head more if he's having a noisy night. Works GREAT!
Thanks for responding!
Mom's snoring isn't bothering anyone. And luckily our rooms are at opposite ends of the house so I never hear it, unless we're traveling. The issue is her extreme tiredness and increased confusion.
I would ask the doctor for alternative ways to correct the problem.
Yes surgery has its risks and even more so for someone with dementia.
Older people find it harder to sleep,especially if they do a lot of napping during the day.
Forder the cpap, it's just confusing.
Try not napping during the day.
No liquids after 6 PM to lessen getting up to pee.
Try giving 3 mg Melatonin at night to help her sleep.
She doesn't sleep that well, no doubt. She does nap a bit during they day. Which of course throws off night time sleeping but she's so tired. It's a vicious cycle!
She doesn't drink enough fluids in general and not much after dinner. Just mostly enough to take her evening pills. She does get melatonin already.
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