My mother has dementia and cannot control the screaming. This usual happens when she is left alone. I hate seeing her so drugged. However, the nursing home said if she does not remain silent, she will have to leave. Can they do this? What recourse do I have, as her daughter?
vstefans... Cymbalta is also an anti-depressant. That is what I was objecting to at first... we'll see how she does. Thanks, everyone. Old posts still have a lot to offer! lol
On the other hand, perhaps the word never reached the nursing staff that you didn't want her on an anti-depressant.
When my father was in rehab, I realized that they literally had a laundry list of meds to administer. I had to go through the list with them and ask why some of them were routinely added. At least they gave Dad his regular vitamins though.
The NH is now lowering the strength of my mother's Fentanyl patch, wanting to have her weaned off totally within 12 days. They are replacing it with Cymbalta - an anti-depressant/pain pill. I do not want mom taking any anti-depressants. I told them to hold off on that and that I would call them back... they did it anyway. So now, I will go in on Monday and be blunt with them - though always kindly - they have my mom! I will have to ask why the change? She was fine. Now she's feeling pain again and is not as lucid as before. So... time to engage the powers that be...
I too get waylaid checking posts that interest me only to find that someone has pulled one up and posted something relevant, or started a completely new topic.
Other forums also generally have a section for technical issues. Perhaps someone could start a thread on forum suggestions? We can always keep it close to the top by bumping it.
Our investigation indicated she did not need two mood altering drugs. Be Aware!
I have noticed on other forums that old threads cam be closed to new comments, maybe should be considered here Admins??
Tell the doc you want her dosage on these meds gradually reduced until your mom is "back." "It breaks my heart that she is so sedated. Will you work with us on gradually decreasing these meds to see if mom can still be okay? Please..."
Monitor the medication. Ask to see her med chart every few days. Give the meds a full week at lesser dosages before you pass judgement. It's doubtful she's at the bare minimum dosage for her own little self. Docs prescribe based on recommended levels. And everyone is different.
Good luck. I hope you don't have to lose your mom one second before its absolute reality. BUT you can't keep her in misery for your own motivations.
Please keep us updated.
Carol
The short answer to the orignal question is no, of course not - granted there is distress that ought to be relieved, but failure to try using lower doses of alternative meds plus any non-pharmacological means e.g. chamomile tea, music, aromatherapy, the right lighting for that person, rather than immediate resort to heavy antipsychotics is just poor practice.
My mom, in a nursing home, often wants to go to bed shortly after dinner. She did the same thing when she stayed with me. At my home I know for sure it wasn't drugs, and I have no reason to think it is at the nh.
I am so glad you were alert enough to pull off the highway and rest! Have you discussed this incident with your doctor?
home since 2004. She is stage 7 Alzheimer. Her aggression / agitation has increased it's two different people. I did not want to drug her up. However since
at home and more control..{i do understand the nursing home issue} I have been
giving her OrganicTea with flavored water BEDTIME TEA or NIGHTY NIGHT TEA .
it calms her somewhat i repeat somewhat . Womb to Tomb . Peace be With You
All.
Wheelie :-(