1. < Caregivers: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) & Dementia
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Where to Start?

Posted by melevanslam @melevanslam, Aug 31 10:15am

My husband is experiencing cognitive issues daily and I find myself doing more and more things for him. I am his brain and his memory. he does not have a diagnosis and his doctor seems to be oblivious to this. Because of hippa I cannot approach his doctor nor can I approach him about this. He is also experiencing mobility and vision issues and is extremely frustrated.
I want him to feel as independent as possible but I need direction on this very sensitive issue.

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melevanslam | @melevanslam | 4 days ago
In reply to @trishaanderson "@maryvc How are you and your husband doing? You both have been in my thoughts and..." + (show)
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@maryvc
How are you and your husband doing? You both have been in my thoughts and prayers. Were they able to get your husband's agitation under control?
Thinking of you,
Trish

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@trishaanderson

No, I haven't but it has not gotten worse and seems to be tied to his frustration.

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melevanslam | @melevanslam | 4 days ago
In reply to @maryvc "@trishaanderson Thank you for asking. After 4 psychiatric hospitalizations he now can’t walk and has declined..." + (show)
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@trishaanderson Thank you for asking. After 4 psychiatric hospitalizations he now can’t walk and has declined more. Now in skilled care with hospice. Our goals have changed from assisted living to full care. I moved into the independent living so I’m quite close. Medications are a challenge and he was given Haldol at his third place. That made it all worse but maybe he will be more peaceful. Our goals have now changed to comfort care and peace as much as possible. I grieve everyday but on another note have reached a new level of acceptance.,
How about you?

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@maryvc

I will pray for your strength and hope all that you have in place brings comfort to both of you.
I have been finding out that acceptance is somewhat liberating from the "flight or fight" reflex that has prevailed. I wish you peace.

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tsch | @tsch | 4 days ago

Can the doc office have your husband sign a HIPAA release so that info can be shared with you?? Also its time to get a new doc who will care more and not be oblivious.

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melevanslam | @melevanslam | 4 days ago
In reply to @tsch "Can the doc office have your husband sign a HIPAA release so that info can be..." + (show)
Profile picture for tsch @tsch

Can the doc office have your husband sign a HIPAA release so that info can be shared with you?? Also its time to get a new doc who will care more and not be oblivious.

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@tsch
Good advice and I will broach this for my husband's next appointment. It is time to stop tip toeing around and you all have given me good suggestions to step forward. I will have to work with his current doctor for now as he thinks she is wonderful.

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tsch | @tsch | 4 days ago

@melevanslam
People often stick with a doc they like, but may not get best treatment from. Maybe you could try a second opinion, unless the current doc gets more serious about your husband. Its bad enough to have the issues he is having, and having an oblivious doc makes it worse.

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judimahoney | @judimahoney | 4 days ago
In reply to @tsch "Can the doc office have your husband sign a HIPAA release so that info can be..." + (show)
Profile picture for tsch @tsch

Can the doc office have your husband sign a HIPAA release so that info can be shared with you?? Also its time to get a new doc who will care more and not be oblivious.

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@tsch
Once you have a dementia diagnosis you can't legally or ethically have them sign forms they may not understand (in regards to them signing a HIPAA form).

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tsch | @tsch | 3 days ago
In reply to @judimahoney "@tsch Once you have a dementia diagnosis you can't legally or ethically have them sign forms..." + (show)
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@tsch
Once you have a dementia diagnosis you can't legally or ethically have them sign forms they may not understand (in regards to them signing a HIPAA form).

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@judimahoney
Yes you are absolutely right. That is why its important to have HIPAA docs and other important legal docs signed before a diagnosis, while the person is well, if possible.

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