My mother is one of the most miserable humans on Earth, and has been for years. Whenever anyone has asked her "How are you doing?", for as far back in my memory as I can reach, I can never remember her saying "I'm fine". Now she's smoked herself to death. She has COPD, CHF, steroid-induced diabetes, a colostomy, osteoporosis, bone spurs in her neck, neuropathy in her limbs, brittle skin that tears at the drop of a hat...the list seems endless. She refuses to get out of bed to try to exercise to keep up any strength, and wants me to do more and more and more for her.
She's in the hospital right now because of a fall last week. She says her knees gave out.
I don't think it's so horrible that I just want this woman to finally have some peace, and yes, honestly, for the rest of us around her to have some as well. The discord and disharmony this narcissist spreads with her always ALWAYS negative attitude takes a toll. She will never change, and her health will only continue to go downhill.
I realize that I don't get to make the decision of when she goes, but I will admit that I do want her to. I think it's the only way she'll finally be "fine".
Really sorry to add to your worries but after two weeks I think there should be some improvement. I have never been the guest of a psychiatric institution but i doubt dispensing drugs is very different from a regular hospital. Your Mum would recognise a drug cart when she sees ot hears one,they rattle. ideally one would add the meds to a small amount of juice have the patient swallow that then provide another glass of juice for the pt to drink at their leisure. Won't work with Mum she is too sharp. but does she fool the medication nurse. She can still put on a good front can't she? it is possible that a medication nurse is not part of the regular team on Mum's floor therefor does not know her. She/he may dispense medications on several floors as their primary job. They check the room # the patient's wrist band and ask their name and DOB and then give out whatever is in the patients compartment on the drug cart following the instructions as to how it needs to be given. In Mum's case juice, other people apple sauce ,pudding etc, it can't for instance just be put on the breakfast tray for an Aide to deliver. Again i am sorry Emjo but i think you should raise this possibility with the Dr. CM is right thes meds do take a while to be effective but 2 weeks is usually enough. Again ask the Dr how long it usually take for them to begin to see effects. Hugs you need them
totally agree Veronica
I already asked the social worker if they have observed that she is drinking the juice. She said she didn't know and I should bring it up when I see them Tuesday. This is not rocket science. Mother is sharp.
Just called and talked to the nurse on the unit and she says mother is not drinking her juice, so that is the answer. The nurse said she is paranoid from time to time, and the main thing is she does not want to go back to her apartment.
My question is why does she not want to go back? My answer is because she is paranoid about it. She is not paranoid from time to time - it is ongoing.
I already mentioned the possibility that mother was not drinking her juice to the social worker who called earlier this morning and who says mother is quite paranoid. I agree. The social worker says to bring it up at the meeting so I will. I received a form in the mail, dated a week after admission, which states that mother is deluded and exhibits cognitive impairments which are affecting her ability to understand the benefit and consequences of psychiatric treatment. The social worker says they likely will not do psychological testing until the antipsychotic has taken affect as the paranoia affects her cognition. It seems we are on a merry go round here.
As long as they don't release her without treatment they can keep her as long as they want to. I notice she is only a "formal patient" (certified) till March 6th. I will ask about that too, as, at this rate, she won't be ready for testing for a while till they figure out how to get the drug into her. I know they can extend her stay. It takes the signatures of two doctors - the ones who have been caring for her. Oh well. The gears move slowly and they have other patients to deal with.
....at the same time remembering how I'd cringe when my mom called one of the aides 'fat' all the time...
I think some elderly don't really know what they're saying, but others sure do. I think some of them have a good time with it. Now, being old, they can get away with telling the whole damn world it's one big, fat horse's ass and everyone in it, too.
Concept: "A fate worse than death..." Yes, this does exist...In spades!