Re: agitation

[Guest guest]

My mother has had similar incidents but there always seems to be a reason:

she couldn't get to the bathroom in time and had an accident, or there was

another resident agitated, or someone was playing " her " piano in the day

room, or whatever. My mom HATES noise, always has, like the TV being on in

the background, or loud music, or whatever, and a simple request may set her

off if something like that is going on in the background, for example. The

staff where I have her has learned techniques to do " one-on-one " with her,

where all possible distractions are removed and the nurse on duty will give

her time and space and when she's ready, will calmly " talk her down " . Yes

it takes time and patience but they have become wonderful at it, and it

usually ends in my mom hugging them.

I believe that the environment has a lot to do with my mom's " meltdowns " and

may possibly be an issue with your dad. It could be in his interactions

with others, or something else happening that he has no control over, or

whatever. But some staff need to be educated about dealing with our LO's.

I'd also take a look at his meds to see if there is anything there that may

be causing him to get agitated more easily...but I think the approach of the

staff, and what's going on around him may hold the keys.

His,

Sherry

Houghton Lake, MI

www.owly.net

daughter of , (mis?)diagnosed with AD in 2005, descent slowed by

Aricept; diagnosed with LBD March 2008, in a wonderful NH 1/2 mile from my

house. We're learning to live with Lewy...

----- Original Message -----

> My father is in ALF since spring. He had a severe agitation episode

> that led him to permanent placement. He has on & off behavioral issues

> with the staff where he will not do what is asked. Refusing personal

> care. The last couple days have been very bad. He appears very

> delusional. Very verbal and physically aggressive with staff.

> Yesterday I brought him to my home for 5-6 hours. He did well and was

> smiling and for the most part cooperative. Today we got a phone call

> from ALF saying they found him on the floor by his bed. He is refusing

> all care and eating. His mini mental was 8 when he was at neuro 2

> weeks ago. I don't know what to do. He does respond better for us his

> daughters. Even though the other night he was pretty bad even for me.

> I can tell the staff is frustrated and don't know what to do with him.

> They really push him eating. I told them I am not too concerned if he

> does not eat 3 meals a day. I know he ate 2 helpings at my house

> yesterday. He really gets agitated when they push the eating thing. I

> wondered if you have any suggestions. I feel like he is manipulating

> us of course not in a devious totally planning way.