My mil - Gran - has fallen a few times while in her wheelchair (she has one leg). It is mostly at night time in her bathroom. I thought the gabapentin was making her tired, so I try to make sure that she didn't take it until she went to bed. Now I am beginning to wonder if she is having small strokes? Because she said that she was on her way to the bathroom and woke up when she hit the floor. She doesn't know how long she was there or anything. This is about the fourth time in the last six months that I know about. She does tend to stay up very late at night and we usually have to go and remind her to get into bed. Appreciate any suggestions or thoughts! :)
Both my mother and husband have/had dementia (different kinds) and both could have very sudden onset of sleepiness. Tonight my mother wanted a bath and was going to have one as soon as she finished her cake. But before she even got through with the cake she suddenly had to go to bed right now. I helped her get ready. She had no premonition she would suddenly be tired, or maybe she was tired and just didn't recognize it. In any case, it would have been risky to let her go off and get ready for bed on her own.
Discuss these episodes with her doctor. I suggest that maybe it is time to accompany her through her bedtime routine, including that last trip to the bathroom.
4 falls in 6 months is way too many falls. Something's up. In my opinion she needs to see her Dr. In the meantime cut down on fluids after 6pm (she's not going to dehydrate) which may eliminate the need for her to get up in the middle of the night and fall. And a bedside commode is an excellent idea!
My dad fell frequently as a result of low blood pressure. He said the same thing, "I don't know what happened, I was walking to the bathroom and woke up on the floor." Blood pressure can drop when someone goes from a sitting to a standing position. It's called orthostatic hypotension. Try to get her in the habit of just sitting still right after she transfers. Just for about 30 seconds or so.
Gran has dementia. People with dementia need guidance and protection. Do it!
(Do you feel empowered to make decisions on her behalf? That was my goal.)
Your gut is right about needing to take charge. Been down that road, tried to be respectful, didn't take charge, and that was the disaster. Who has the DPOA -- you or the Ex?
When her son takes full responsiblity and he is the one caring for her 24/7 he can leave them in her room 'til the cows come home.
(pretty sure the "responsiblity" part got you laughing, right?)