I know it's hard to believe, but a urinary tract infection can do crazy things to someone who's elderly and it probably takes a little while for the medicine to help. The way your grandma reacted isn't really all that unusual and she may yet improve dramatically. At least that's been my experience. If she's having something else going on at the same time then that could complicate things, but I hope not. I don't hear too often of people going from just a little forgetful to violent and delirious just because of dementia. It's not usually that fast.
Good luck. I hope she doesn't end up needing to go to a nursing home, but if she does you can check out possibilities online. Your state should have a public place where you can see how each home has done on their most recent state survey. Also, maybe she could go to an assisted living place instead? Those aren't quite so 'hospital-like' but there's still someone around 24 hours a day to help her when she needs it. She'd have her own room and her own schedule.
UTI & dementianinquelosseFebruary 4 2007, 01:54:53 UTC
I passed this information on to my mom-in-law; Boo's dad had exactly the same thing happen to him this week. He's in a rehabilitation home right now getting some walking rehab & pro care before he goes back home.
Tig, I hope everything turns out all right for your family. I hope you're taking care of yourself too! Don't wear yourself out & make sure your immune system is up to snuff.
I'm sorry to hear that she's having some problems. I hope she'll rebound and start doing better. I know that my grandfather (he has fairly advanced alzheimers) goes through phases where he'll do really well, and sometimes where he'll be really hard to handle. If she does start doing better maybe she would rather have a nurse come help her in her apartment, since I know there's sometimes that option too. *hugs*
I'm sorry to hear about your Gran's problems. My Gran was put into a nursing home about a year back, which was really difficult for the whole extended family. There was a whole cultural barrier to surpass, as Indians have a strong focus on caring for the elderly, but it got to a point where the family could no longer cope.
The important thing is that my Gran is happier at a nursing home. Her quality of life has improved a lot - she has people to attend to her around the clock. So, if it does come to the worst, you'll be sure your Gran is in safe hands.
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Good luck. I hope she doesn't end up needing to go to a nursing home, but if she does you can check out possibilities online. Your state should have a public place where you can see how each home has done on their most recent state survey. Also, maybe she could go to an assisted living place instead? Those aren't quite so 'hospital-like' but there's still someone around 24 hours a day to help her when she needs it. She'd have her own room and her own schedule.
Let me know if I can help at
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Tig, I hope everything turns out all right for your family. I hope you're taking care of yourself too! Don't wear yourself out & make sure your immune system is up to snuff.
*hugs*
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The important thing is that my Gran is happier at a nursing home. Her quality of life has improved a lot - she has people to attend to her around the clock. So, if it does come to the worst, you'll be sure your Gran is in safe hands.
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