Examples include a king size bedspread set, a king size down comforter, and a bra. All of these items are still in the original packaging. She is mad because she believes we (my sister and I) are trying to "pull something over" on her with the bedding and she hashes over and over who could have put the bra in her closet. I've tried to get her to explain what she means about "pulling something over" on her but she just becomes angrier. I finally brought the items to my own house, but she still discusses how she didn't buy them...
Mom refuses to to talk to a doctor about her memory so I don't know if she has dementia or Alzheimer's. Is her anger about the items that she doesn't believe she purchased a sign of one of those? Any suggestions how I can get her to stop focusing on it?
What other signs are you seeing?
You can get a dipstick from pharmacy to test the urine.Certain indications would let you know she needs a urine culture at the least. This can have profound effect on a senior's mind. Start keeping a diary of what you see and hear. And do also be certain that paper work is in for POA should you require it.
When my Mom became worse I got POA, sold her house and moved her in with me so I could take care of her. I didn't know how to respond to her so I joined this forum which has been a lifesaver for me.
Members advised me to watch Teepa Snow youtube video's which I did and I learned how to respond to my Mom without upsetting her or arguing with her (which I did in the very beginning). I would correct as well as remind her which was non-productive since it only upset her.
I learned how to "go along" with her even if what she was saying was (and still is) not true. I agree with her (which validates her feelings and thoughts) and then redirect the conversation. It takes practice.
P.S.: My Mom didn't get tested until much later on (she saw a neurologist due to her chronic headaches and he tested her and told me she had both alzheimer's and dementia). I knew her mind was going just by her actions and words as she didn't act like the mother I knew when she was younger.
Best to you!
Jenna