My mom was moved to memory care 2 months ago after suffering from her first UTI, at which point her ability to form any words at all is gone completely and she cannot carry on any kind of conversation. When I first arrive at her facility, she'll allow us to sit for several minutes, she'll try and tell me "things" in jibberish which I cannot understand. Then she insists on walking me around her facility, in circles for the rest of the time I'm there. I feel like I'm a little puppy dog, following after her owner. I realize every dementia patients shows different symptoms, but is this one of them. If so, how do I deal with it? It just seems crazy to me. Oh and btw, she refuses to leave the building at all. It'd be nice if I could get her out for a drive. But she won't hear of it.
However, if she seems to be moving because she's constantly 'fretting', you might want to talk to her doctor. When medication is suggested, you shouldn't immediately think it's about making the resident easier to deal with, it's often about improving the quality of their lives. If you've ever seen someone suffer through high anxiety every waking hour because their family doesn't want them 'drugged', you'd agree that meds can be a blessing.
The Alz patient always has a degree of fear and frustration. They can't express themselves. They can t understand what you're asking or respond with sn appropriate action to a request or direction, Possibly by walking in circles,Mom may want to show you or convey something that occurred in that specific area, more likely even if something had happened she will have no meanful memory. My DW was like a road runner afternoons, just pacing and rummaging ( opening & closing drawers removing clothing stuffing it back into a different drawer). The addition of Ativan 1 mg, taken early afternoon has just about eliminated this behavior. Your Mom s reluctance to go out is normal for PAD. ( person with Alz dis,). getting my DW to leave her "nest" for non routine travel is alway a problem. Shopping Md visit etc she'll cope with. I care for her at home and I pity the poor caregiver subbing for me, My absence precpatates agitation
Corinne
Sending a tight hug to all of you.