← Return to Are these signs of Dementia or Alzheimers disease?

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@billchitwood

We toured a couple of places.
On one of our concerns they indicated that they couldn't prevent falls either - and that they would call 911.
The other major problem we are facing is that he pees a LOT - especially at night. He has used a pee bottle for years but now he drops it - then slips and, of course, falls. Overnight depends aren't working by themselves. The bed does have two layers of waterproof pads. When he gets up to go to the bathroom I have to get up, make sure he has light to see, sort of guide him and wait until he gets back in bed (in the meantime our daughter has awakened and waiting in case she is needed. This happens about five times a night. Then when he gets back into bed he wants to talk! Of course I don't have my hearing aids on, he is slurring his words and not making a lot of sense. The only one who can hear him is Robin - on the other side of the house.

I ignore his dithering about us moving to our own place, ignore his request for car keys, ignore his anger; but no sleep is getting to us.

Thinking of adding bed rails to the bed - shoving it against one wall - adding a cushion falling mat (4: deep) to put by the bed (one home said they use them); buy a Raizer lift in case he does fall. Getting a shower chair. Putting in some safety bars.

Still leaves the problem of nighttime peeing and we haven't come up with a solution for that. Trying to decrease his water consumption at night. He is on both Flomax and Avodart (generic) and they don't seem to help. Or at least not that is noticeable.

Monday morning is his appointment at Mayo! Maybe they will have some ideas.

One moment he is sure he is dying right now - moments later he is going to live to be a 105. But as a young man again. And he finds it hard to do anything for himself - hasn't for years even though his doctor's kept telling him he had to move around, exercise, retain social connections, get our and live, he wouldn't follow their advice. He wants me to just sit by his side and not go out or do things.

Not going to happen! I've signed up for Pilates (if not the oldest, close to it at 81) and Robin and I go out for an hour or two almost every day on one errand or another. I don't want to become like Bill, hiding in a chair.

Jump to this post


Replies to "We toured a couple of places. On one of our concerns they indicated that they couldn't..."

Hi, @billchitwood

Have you considered talking to his doc about a sleep aid medication Rx?

Just a thought…

Hi Julie, @billchitwood, That sounds exhausting. We met with a physical therapist who specializes in urinary incontinence. He said to take the FloMax in the morning and drink liquids during the day, but not in the evening. Did you ever try a bedside commode? It could cut out trips to the bathroom.

Also, there are exercises men can do for better urinary control, contracting the muscles of the rectum, which I keep explaining to my husband, but he has difficulty understanding. Maybe Mayo Clinic can help with that or some other solutions.

I don't know if you have osteoporosis, I do. I did Pilates for years, but there are certain moves that involve forward bending and twisting of the spine that can cause spinal fractures. You're wise to carve out some time for yourself. Take care.

Have you thought about getting a hospital bed? I have heard they are just wonderful for patients like your husband.