I have been taking care of my parents for many years. 2 years ago I moved in because she could not take care of my father after a broken hip and dementia. My dad died in July. In the two years that I have been here I notice my mom change. My mom has always been verbally abusive to us and then to my dad when he was sick. She got mad because I had the social worker talk to her about it. She has made things up like there is no food in the house. I don't feed her just to try to get the attention of my other siblings that never come to visit because of the way they got treated though there life. I am her POA but she said now she doesn't trust me. I worried she will make other things up. She said she wants to move but when you ask her when she gets mad. She has been packing and giving things away then doesn't remember and accuses me of taking them. I ask my siblings and she has given them the items. Just don't know what to do.
With a diagnosis of dementia, the family then has recourse when the mother is trying to convince others that she's 'not being fed' or being 'mistreated' in some way. When dementia is a known quantity, then there is a REASON for the off-the-wall statements and others are able to slough it off a bit easier.
If an elder is thought to have a UTI and having symptoms and the doctor is trying to put off an appointment for a couple of weeks, wouldn't that elder be taken to Urgent Care or to the ER right away? Yes, we do have a rather broken health care system, especially where the elderly is concerned, but here in this country at least we DO have many options.
Just sayin'
Here is a link to an excellent article about dementia & lots of great tips:
https://www.caregiver.org/caregivers-guide-understanding-dementia-behaviors
Best of luck!