How to get my Mom diagnosed?
I suspect that my Mom has early Alzheimer's. She's always been an angry person and now it has intensified! She has hallucinations, is incoherent 70% of the time, lucid the other 30%. She stopped seeing a Dr. 7 years ago. She hasn't taken her heart meds or kidney meds since. She refuses to go to be diagnosed.
I do have power of attorney but have been told by several agencies in the small town that I live in that I can't force her into seeing a Dr as she has lucid moments and has the right to say no! I've also talked to a Elder attorney and was told the same thing.
I've been told that if she's taken to an emergency room because of a 911 call, for a fall, ect....that I can request that testing be done for Alzheimer's but they can refuse.
I feel like we are both in a no win situation. I have no family that is willing to help with her and she refuses any resources such as meals on wheels, ect...
What do I do?
, this is a difficult situation. Being her POA, unfortunately, only allows you to make decisions for her if she is incapacitated, or declared incompetent by a court of law.
The most you can do is encourage her to go to the doctor, even if for a simple checkup. You could speak to her provider in advance of the appointment and tell him of your suspicions. It may be helpful to contact alz.org and explore options with them.
Be gentle with yourself, you can only do what you are able to do. - Warmly, Donna (Team Member), I just want to share that I am pretty much in the same situation. At a normal annual physical about seven years ago the doctor told us that my wife is having a memory problem. My wife was still cognit enough that she searched the internet and found an organization looking for people to qualify for a Alzheimer's study which she did go thru for a year until it ended. After I retired we moved back to my hometown and now she has no interest of further investigation to her situation. She is unable to do anything except be on her computer during the day then go downstairs and watch TV afternoon and evening. I do everything else. I am starting to look for organizations that do in home care. I don't think she is ready for a care home yet but I do need to get someone to come and be with her so that I can get some free time from all the motions that she goes thru. Hi
, it sounds like you are taking all the right steps to take care of you both. Have you found anyone that meets your needs, or are you still exploring? Alz.org may be able to help with a referral to reputable carers in your area. - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
