It is recommended to find a Geriatric Psychiatrist for behavioral outburst. He is also suffering from a lack of insight & believes false memories or mixes them up. He is very intelligent but the short term memory is getting worse also. At times the behavior goes to a rage & I feel unsafe more & more. I need to use a walker & have physically declined.
Does anyone know of a Geriatric Psychiatrist? Or other doctor who can help with behavioral & also a big word: anosognosia?
They will respond and they will take him to a psychiatric hospital. This will get the wheels rolling to get you some help.
You have to be brave enough to tell the police what is really going on. They don't want to hurt him, they will not take him to jail, they will take him for medical treatment. But know going into this that it will be super intense and scary as all get out but, it will get the help you both need.
Tell the hospital that he is no longer safe at home and that you can not care for him. No matter what they say to you, you stick to your guns because they will tell you anything to get you to take him home. Learn to say, "He is not safe at home, I can not care for him safely." No explanation, no justification, he is not safe at home and you can not care for him. Say this every single time somebody tries to get you to take him home. They will eventually get it but, you can not waiver for one second.
Remember when you are feeling guilty about placing him that you matter as much as he does and you do not deserve to live in fear and danger because he is sick. It's not him, it's his broken brain that will never get better and it can't be fixed. You matter and deserve to be safe.
Physical pain, emotional pain (loosing control and loosing partners looms large with the elderly.) Medication to help stabilize my Mom’s life has made a huge difference.
she is on Zoloft for depression..... fewer mood swings.
She’s on a small dose of remeron to help her sleep.
Her recent episodes of psychosis is being treated as well.
She has 24/7 home care. We are trying to create a safe, comfortable, joyful environment. Pain medicine as needed.
Try to find a neurologist that specializes with elderly issues.
It’s been a life line for us.
If the man who lives with you (husband?) has violent outbursts and you are concerned about your safety, please contact the local authorities. They can take this fellow to a hospital that has an inpatient psychiatric unit. He will remain there for evaluation and treatment. When his behavior has been modified, you can talk with social worker about next steps. He is more likely to be evaluated and treated by a psychiatrist that specializes in geriatrics.
Since you need to use a walker and have physical issues, may I suggest you talk to a social worker about placement for your guy in a memory care unit that also has assisted living accommodations for yourself. That way you can get help that you need while also making sure his needs are addressed.
And if you are interested AgingCare has some good articles about anosognosia, I'll link one
https://www.agingcare.com/Articles/anosognosia-dementia-patients-cant-recognize-impairment-210090.htm
A trained psychologist or neurologist can do the kind of assessment your husband needs too, as long as they have extensive training in dealing with cognitive, emotional and/or behavioral disorders in the elderly.
Also Google “Geriatric Assessment” and see if there are any geriatric medical practices near you. Perhaps you could encourage your husband to have a “physical”.
You are on the right track, and hopefully you will be able to connect with someone who can help your husband AND YOU.
In the meantime, stay safe and be extra good to yourself. Keep in touch with friends, you need encouragement and support as you seek the help you and your husband need.