My dad, 68, is suffering from Parkinson's and Myoclonus, and I believe starting to develop Dementia. He has been having a lot of moments where he falls asleep and cannot wake up for hours, lots of jerky, seizure motions, and lately his muscles seizing up. He lives in an Assisted Living Facility, but last night I found him kneeling on the ground, clutching his walker, frozen in the position. I was eventually able to get him to let go of the walker and eased him to the ground to loosen his muscles, and then helped him get up and into bed. But he had no idea where he was or what happened to him, asking where his father and brother were, both who have been dead for years. He admitted later he did not know what was happening to him, but when I tried to talk about it, he became angry with me because I did not have any answers.
He has become delusional, believing that several women in his life all would want to be married to him, one is my mom who he divorced years ago and would not want to be around him, and talks a lot about different subjects that make no sense. I try to help him and talk with him, but it is so hard to keep up and try to follow what he is saying. How can I help him?
I'm also wondering if he needs more care than can be provided in AL. I would raise that issue with a neurologist as well, ASAP.
I'm assuming when you found him rigid on the ground that you were at the AL facility? At night? Was there anyone who could help you? I'm wondering how he could get outside at night. What kind of monitoring is this AL providing? It's hard to imagine how someone with his symptoms could be allowed to be outdoors at night.
Perhaps you needs to speak to the admins at the AL to discuss the apparent lack of exit monitoring. He could have had a stroke while outside, or his diseases may have accelerated, or there may be other factors involved.
He has been speaking with his neurologist every week, and he is seeing him in two weeks for a follow up. He also sees a seizure specialist.
Our site here deals with CareGiving in general, and with Dementia in particular, so our posters will help all they can. But specific knowledge is often particularly helpful. Best wishes to you and your Dad, Margaret