Mom has declined so much in last couple of months in NH. Both mentally and physically. Does not know where she is and can no longer walk. Last night she got out of bed and fell before nurses aides got to her (bed has an alarm) bruised badly but thankfully nothing broken. NH wants to up her anxiety meds again, I told them yes. I want to keep mom safe and comfortable. Wondering if I should be contacting hospice care to help?
When I ask her what can be done differently for her she does not know. She has pads around bed along with alarm for the falling issues. I don't know what else to do for her. Thank you all for you're input and concern
I would be worried that they are trying to drug her to a point she can't or doesn't care, nor can she complain about bad care.
A huge decline can be an indicator of bad care. The SNF that had my dad was feeding him sugar treats and not giving him his warfarin. He was declining and they were talking long term, he went in for rehab after an illness. Once I found the above out, I moved him and he improved enough to go home.
I think we tend to ignore our seniors complaining about care and it should always be confirmed that it is not imagined.
Best of luck.
My LO sat next to a resident in the dining room who was too loud. It really bothered her and made her anxious. Moving them apart worked to cut that out. Sometimes, a team meeting with the facility can flush out concerns and specific issues. I'd suggest that so you can get the big picture.
They can manage symptoms
but they will not be there 24/7
But things can be done to make it a little more difficult for her to get out of bed.
Have they tried bolsters or wedges to keep her from easily getting up?
I know "restraints" are not permitted but this can be adjusted with a Doctors note. So putting 1 side rail up on the side she would usually get out of bed on is not a restraint but it would slow her down and be a deterrent. 2 full side rails is a "restraint or confinement" and it would require a doctors order.
I happen to love Hospice and I would call and have her evaluated in any case.
The big problem with the increase in medication is she may try doing the same thing but she would be more drugged. If they want to increase the medication just to keep her in bed this a a poor policy and I would say a misuse of medication.
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