My mother ran away twice this weekend. She has a door alarm and the first time I thought it was the companion- she ended up far away outside. The second time I "ran" after her (I am handicapped) and found her in a maintenance closet=she was belligerent and nuts about going home..
Why cant the Dr. get her into a home? ..Why do they, and the NH say that I have to get her to the emergency room first? ...
What is your resistance to calling an ambulance? It sounds like your mother is no longer safe at home, even with you and a companion.
She has been on multiple lists- one for 3yr!
I went through calling the ambulance with my father and him in hospital and I went off the deep end with a breakdown-
I am petrified of this happening again, but it looks like I have got to.
When I or my ADW need to go to the ED/ER and ambulance is needed I call the doctor and get an order for transport by ambulance. I call the ambulance company {not 911} explain Doctor Named has told us an ambulance is needed.
This get us to the top of the patient heap and quick service. We do not get billed (Medicare/Medex} if the transport is ordered by MD. Ambulance service sometimes asks if we need a chair service or ambulance.
The on call dr Rx'd a stupid anitanxiety antidepressant that did nothing- I had asked for something strong, but it wasnt her regular dr...
I am sorry to aggravate you guys with my fears- going to press her Dr. today since the weekend is over. (even typing here is making my heart pound)
I found my father after breaking his door down, he weighed 78lbs and on deaths door.
And, is YOUR anxiety being treated?
So, I just keep her locked in and let in companions?- this is crazy-I thought a dr could declare it an emergency and homes always have one bed reserved for that. I have read others take them to emergency room and just say "I cant take care of her" -- I cant DO that. I thought it would be so easy, i never ever thought she would progress to this. Right now she is eating her breakfast like nothing is wrong :O i give up.
(I took my lexapro but my arthritis is attacking big time with stress)
You can take your mom to the doctor and tell him about her escape behaviors. Maybe antipsychotic meds would help? Is this doctor someone who is skilled in treating dementia?
Can you physically take her to an emergency room and tell them that she keeps running away and is a danger to herself?
I called APS and they sent over a social worker and have 24hr care now. She went NUTS on trasadole . social worker is working on getting her into the nice home I wanted in the meantime.(I hope it works out). I still cannot believe how crazy she went on that drug, and then total zombie. Today she is able to walk and new companion is outside with her now watching the birds.