My dad (79, bedridden by choice, moderate dementia/diabetes) hasn’t been himself the last two days. Very flat and disengaged, answers in one or two words or just pretends not to hear me, no typical interaction with me or my kids. Appetite is ok, blood sugar is ok, urine output is ok, colostomy output is normal, heart rate and oxygen levels are ok. I don’t have a blood pressure cuff. Says there’s no pain (but he’s never been good at identifying pain since he’s gotten older) and has no explanation for his actions. Still on Wellbutrin and Escitalopram for MDD, hasn’t missed his meds. Something is just *off*. Any ideas? I will call home health tomorrow if he’s still like this, I guess, but I feel like they are going to be like what’s the issue and I don’t KNOW, I just feel like there might be one. Agggh!! This is the part of caregiving that drives my anxiety through the roof.
3 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
Im so sorry your dad isn’t feeling well. How long has it been since he was tested for a UTI? I saw that on his bio. That’s the first thing I suspect with any unusual behavior but that is usually acting out behavior that I am familiar with. Opposite Of this. Is he eating? Any sign of stroke? He may just be weary but I don’t hesitate to call HH, now hospice, when I have a question. They usually come right out to check on things. It sounds like you are up to date on everything but the BP. My DH Aunt, 94 with dementia will never admit to pain If asked. She will sometimes say that something hurts on her own and I am always surprised, it’s so rare.
ADVERTISEMENT