Is there anything that can help with the bruises?
My grandma has mood swings with her severe dementia. When she gets angry she will literally hold her arms with her hands so tightly she makes bruises and sore muscles. Sometimes she'll flail her arms around hitting her walker or the table she uses to hold her food and drink or even the lamp behind her chair (but since I moved the location it's a little less often for that unless she's physically seeking it out for a weapon). She hits her arms doing this a lot and there is bruising. I try to put ice on it which she hates so it's limited. I have Vitamin E lotion I use on her to help the bruise fade. She's on tylenol for other things which I'm sure helps with the pain but I still hate to see the bruising on her. Is there anything that can be help to help with the bruises? Is there anything I'm missing?
A good barrier cream or ointment will help with keeping the skin moisturized as well as the vitamins that are in the ointment. The one I used had A, D and a bit of zinc oxide one of the ones I used also was a bit like calamine lotion. But they both were pretty much the same. The ones with a lot of zinc oxide are very thick (that is the white stuff) and are difficult to apply without pulling the skin so I cut the heavy white one with A and D.
When my Husband would get a bruise that would look like it might open and bleed I sprayed one of the liquid bandage products on the area that way it would keep the skin intact. I never had a bruise become a skin tear.
Is the anger about one particular thing or is it random? This is what should also be addressed.
If this is something that happens ONLY when she has to take a shower that is one thing but if it happens for no apparent reason it should be discussed with her doctor. There are medications that will help and they will relieve the anxiety but will not "dope her up" but allow her to be more comfortable.
My dad required dementia stabilization with meds. Then about 6 months later, when he improved and maintained a schedule, we slowly removed all of them except one. We have a great doctor through the facility!
All the best to you and Grandma!
( Not everyone does )
Would you mind saying why Grandma gets angry and is there a time of day that happens ?
Grandma 1954 has some good answers that work ! I just want to add that if you grandma is not on other medications , it works for many patients to give them a benadryl every 4 hrs and two an hr before bed . It helps calm and for the dementia patient I work with it gives me the chance to work reasonably with her and for her to not hallucinate which is nothing short of a miracle as you probably know . This will not drug her . The 2 at one time , however , will make her sleepy and as older people may not always be co-ordinated be sure to be there for her as this takes hold , in about 20 min . you will know because she will be calm . If she IS on medication besides Tylenol , please give a call to her dr and ask if this is something that will hurt her with other meds she takes . God bless you as you work with this woman who truly needs you and cannot show her gratitude ,
He wasn't getting angry, he was depressed - worrying all the time - now he is much calmer and we are learning how to cope with his limited abilities.
Hugs,
RayLin
Your family physician should have some good ideas for finding out 'why' Grandma is doing this.
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