Mother is 94. She was taken off of hospice care in January into the regular care of her geriatric physician who comes to the house every other month. He was here last week and said she was doing well despite the fact that she has not been eating much. She has gone from eating on her own to being spoon fed within a week. She was able to go to the bathroom with her walker but now has no strength to get out of bed. The doctor prescribed mirtazapine, which made her totally dopey and after one dose decided to not give her this horrible drug. I can't seem to understand what my mother is trying to say and she gets frustrated with me and very angry. I have caregivers during the day who are a big help. I feel like taking care of someone with so many issues that are beyond my capability. I call the doctor for help and guidance but he never returns my calls. I know this office is understaffed but who can I call to help? This is the only geriatric department that makes house calls.
Did you discontinue Hospice or was mother dropped because the "graduated"?
As above, if there has been a sudden change in her mental status and ability to make herself understood, think "stoke" and call 911.
And once she's at the hospital, ask for a social worker's help in getting her placed.
If you can, I should go back to them and ask for a reassessment. If there has been some kind of medical event since the geriatrician saw your mother a week ago, and his next visit isn't for more than another week, you do need access to medical and nursing care meanwhile and he just ain't giving it. It's not fair on you and it's not good enough for a 94 year old lady.