I just posted about my Father. The wandering/elopement is occurring frequently. He wants to go to his childhood home. I will tell him the police/sheriff will pick him up if he does it. I tell him everyday and the explanation is long.
He is in the late stages according to the Neurologist. Does this ever stop? He is constantly going to the doors trying to open them. Then when I do open them for us to go for a walk or go somewhere he won't go. I have to explain.
The thing about going to the open the doors all the time, goodness it is just tiring. We have tried Ativan 0.5 but doesn't seem to have any affect on him. I would like to avoid antipsychotics but seems that is only thing the doctor has recommended. I'm ordering CBD gummies to try.
Is there anything that will get him settled down? He does threaten and shows aggression when he does not get his way.
After a few weeks, she was very secure in her new environment and I believe the locked doors gave her comfort. She walked around trying doors constantly (and still does) and trying to trick people into letting her out, but it seems to be more of a game with her now than a real attempt at escape. Watching how the staff has figured her out and knows that giving her direct orders will only escalate her, they have mastered what will shift her focus and what bribes they can make with her. I see them changing tactics according to the resident they are addressing. It really is a wonder how much MC can change the dynamics for a dementia family.
Time to accept that in order to keep him safe, he needs to be in a place with 24/7 care.
She did feel some guilt at not having him at home, but the few weeks he was in the NH, she saw him everyday and it also gave her time to come to terms with his impending death.
They lived right by a very bust road and she was worried sick he'd wander into traffic. Luckily, that never happened, b/c the neighborhood kind of adopted him as to his wandering care. They'd gently bring him back home--but at some point, it just wasn't doable any more.
To my knowledge, he was never medicated, but it was 45 years ago, so I do not remember.
Good luck to you.
I am glad you will be looking for another facility for his safe placement, but meanwhile I would take him to the doctor.
You might need to try medicine. I hate to bring it up, but the other day in New Orleans, a man with dementia busted out and they found him deceased the next day close by behind a house.
As many times as you say he tries, what if he is successful once?
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