My 94 year old MIL recently fractured her hip, had surgery, went to rehab, and is now living with us. Believe it or not, until this happened she lived in her own apartment not too far from us. She is clearly unable to care for herself without some assistance. So far we are able to manage this and it's going well, and we think she's happy with us.
My concern is that my husband has mentioned a few times where she has been a bit confused. I want to say it's when she first wakes up. For example, he told me today that when she woke up, she kept asking him why her face was so red (and it wasn't) and that last night someone gave her a shot. Another time he said she pointed to the ceiling fan concerned that it was a tree that could fall. The only other thing I've noticed is that she talks in her sleep - not mumbling, but what sounds like full on conversations! The first time I heard it, I thought she was on the phone.
For the most part, she is coherent and spends most of her day talking on the phone. (She has many relatives all over the nation and they all call her at various times.) The only medication she is taking is Codeine for her hip pain. She also has severe arthritis in her knees. So it is quite painful for her to walk, but with a walker, she does it! It's quite amazing actually considering all that she's been through at her age.
My husband didn't seem as concerned about this confusion, but I wanted to see what others thought. Thank you.
It's very scary. I'm only 62 years old, but the last 2 foot surgeries I've had, I requested just to be heavily sedated and for them not to use the traditional anesthesia, which thankfully they were able to.
Hopefully it's nothing serious. Bless you for stepping up to take care of her during this time.
A change in mental status is a medical emergency. In a person of ANY age.
If no Dementia prior broken hips in the elderly are serious. Her being under will cause confusion for a while. It takes longer in the elderly for anesthesia to leave their bodies. Being in Rehab can cause problems being out of her familiar surroundings.
My Dad had heart problems and he woke up confused. Took him about a half hour to feel normal. Did MIL have Labs done while in the hospital? To check potassium levels, sugar, thyroid, cholesterol, etc. If not its a good idea to have them done to make sure nothing physical is going on.
So I think it was just a very realistic dream because it hasn't happened since then.
Her doctor says she has a normal 94 year old brain.
It is easy to have her tested for a UTI and you can get results back quickly.
I would say most (not all) people her age have some level of dementia. It's kind of a roller coaster. Some days/times, it's very clear that something serious is going on. Other times, seems pretty normal. Guess you'll have to roll with it and see what the future brings.
Is she getting home PT? Did she go to rehab after surgery? Don't take on too much yourself. You'll burn out very quickly. Get outside help and services to help with her needs, especially now while she really needs it. Many elders recover very well from hip surgery, as long as they do the PT and stay active.
Good luck!
Sounds like your Mom is doing very well. When she no longer needs her medications, sounds like she'll be fine.
When I had my knee replaced (I was 69) and I returned home, I was positive that there was a white bird stuck in our tree. There was not!!, but my mind said so. We still laugh about it.
Call your MILs doctor and ask HIM (or her) what he thinks is going on. It could be anything from a UTI to a stroke to nothing at all, honestly.
You seem quite worried about this situation, and in reality, the only thing that will bring you peace of mind is to have her seen by her PCP and maybe have a few tests run to be certain all is well inside of her 94 year old heart, mind and body. Certainly before you 'place her for the dementia she is obviously suffering from that will destroy your life'. Sigh.
Wishing you the best of luck and sending up a prayer that she's just recouping from her surgery and anesthesia.
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Also there is an over the counter gel -Voltaren- for arthritis, was recently a prescription. Voltaren works great for her knee and back pain.