I, without a medical degree, feel he needs to be reevaluated in a respite situation. Maybe a start over with the meds. After 5+ years. How do I get the primary care doc to address this. What we are doing is not working - trying different dosages of the meds - taking weeks. Any ways to address this?
Tell doctor the truth as you experience it. Do you think he’s in pain? Falling? Swallowing difficulties? Combative behavior? Not eating? Hallucinations? Whatever it is, tell the doctor. Ask if respite care is available and if med adjustment is in order or could help.
Ask specific questions too. Example: my dad took meds for high blood pressure for years. Then he started getting dizzy spells when standing up from sitting. They found he was having blood pressure drops. I asked “should he stay on the blood pressure meds?” And they said stop taking that one. I’m not sure this change would have happened if I hadn’t asked. The Dr who prescribed it originally was not the one who discovered the cause of the dizziness.
bkgranny
Bringing a short written list to the doctor can make the conversation easier because it gives clear examples of what is happening day to day.
Many caregivers also ask for a medication review during the appointment so the doctor can look at whether any medications may need adjusting or if combinations are causing problems.
I would ask his doctor, "What is this for?" "Does he need it?" "What will happen if he stops taking it?" I also educated myself by reading up on all the medications online.
Ask about common side effects, and note any side effects you notice as a result of medications your husband takes. You, or the patient, is in charge of what medications you choose to use. You don't have to take any of them.
You do have to be careful with some medications which could have undesirable results from stopping, or stopping suddenly. I was able to wean my husband from several medications. It took some time to wean him off of Celexa. First, I got the doctor to prescribe half the dosage, then, after a time, I started increasing the time in between doses, until he was able to go a whole 24 hours without any negative side effects. With the doctor's advice, we totally stopped the blood sugar medication, blood pressure medication, and anti-plaque medication.
His newest doctor and I agreed, using medication to try and keep my husband healthy at this point is futile. He is totally bedridden, with dementia. There is no reason to try and prolong this way of life. He is currently healthy and will possibly outlive me.
One thing that can help is writing down instructions, medications, and next steps so everything isn’t just in your head. It brings a little order to the situation.
You’re not expected to be a medical professional you’re doing your best in a very difficult moment. Take it one step at a time.
i tell
i want a review of my fathers medication please
if it’s refused then I would es skate it with the health authority
I’m sure they’re supposed to be reviewing anyway
of asked why
the tablets do not appear to be working/I want blood tests done to check they’re ok
my brother gets sent for blood tests to reassess the tablets he’s taking about 5 yearly
If you have a bad doctor that isn’t working for you-change them
IMO a PCP/GP should not be caring for a patient with Dementia. PCPs know a little about everything and a lot about nothing. Your parent needs a Neurologist. They would be much better in prescribing the correct medication for a specific Dementia.
Provide to his MD provider.
Ask for a consultation to go over medications / MD recommendations.
None of us - overall - caring for a spouse or loved one with dementia have medical degrees. You 'we' are there and on 24/7 and have the experience of knowing how things are going.
If you cannot get a consult with his physican, get another MD - who cares.
Find out who the county, state, federal agencies are to report this MD provider and/or medical group. They need to be evaluated if they do not listen to your concerns.
Gena / Touch Matters
You tell MD
- what your husband does
- what he/ has done
- what is potentially harmful to him and you
- why you are concerned.
Perhaps what you are saying is that you have asked and get no response.
If that is the case, request another primary provider - talk to the administrator at this office. If this is your husband's MD's office, ask for an appointment.
Put your concerns in writing.
Address your concerns in a letter that you give to him and keep a copy for yourself.
Ask why nothing has been, medically speaking, for ____ years (even though you have made ('several" ?) requests.
Take notes when you make phone calls and in person with the MD / provider.
This tracking is important.
Gena / Touch Matters