Posted on 08/31/2021 12:07:55 PM PDT by LilFarmer
I would appreciate prayers for my FIL. He’s in his 80’s and has had dementia (vascular) for many years. Otherwise, he has been very healthy, fit, and active. He walks a mile/day. His main issues up have been memory loss and confusion.
He is in memory care and we’ve been told many times he is sweet and cooperative. We visit him 2-3 times a week and he’s been happy - he says he likes the caregivers, food, and the other residents. He has been very engaged in activities and with other residents.
But 2 weeks ago, he punched a resident out of the blue for no reason. He hasn’t been argumentative or difficult before or after that. He did not remember doing it immediately after it happened. They figured he must have been startled. Then, last week it happened again. No precipitating event and no recollection right away. He has memory loss but not like that - it was like a blackout. Other than the two random punches, they say he has been calm, cooperative, not agitated or anything.
The nurse sent him to the ER where they ran tests (CBC, urine, metabolic, hepatic, covid, ecg, drug tests, etc). All normal. The ER sent him to a mental health facility that specializes in dementia, and the doctor there already knows my FIL well (he’s also the doctor for the MC). We expected to hear that it was normal progression of dementia, but the doc said that it is unusual. He has been calm and cooperative there, and is not on any meds except an antibiotic in case he has a hidden infection. They are running more tests, neurological and scans. Another new symptom is he is dragging his foot, is unsteady, and can barely walk. He also has been very cold. This started around the same time as the first punch. He was scheduled to go back to MC this week, but the doctor is going to keep him over the weekend and try to figure out what is going on. Fortunately, they said he does know why he’s there. He still does not remember what happened but he believes them that it happened and he feels really bad.
Meanwhile, the MC just had their first case of covid, a staffer. So even if my FIL goes back he would be facing 2 weeks of being stuck in his room. Ugh. This facility normally allows family to come and go, and has not required vaccines for residents or visitors. I hope that doesn’t change permanently. The only requirement until recently is temp checks. Last week they started asking if visitors have been around covid and prohibited kids under 12 because covid has ramped up in our area.
Anyway, sorry, that is long. I appreciate your prayers.
Prayers for your Father-in-law and family 🙏❤
Prayers.
Prayers for your father-in-law and all who love him.
Do you know whether he was ever involved in any violent situation or military? Just wondering if he’s having some little flashback, wherein he feels threatened.
Good luck with this situation.
Prayers offered.
Prayers for your FIL’s improved condition.
Prayers up. It could be a type of stroke.
I am so sorry you are going through this. I will pray!
He has my prayers. Sounds like he’s in a pretty good facility and in good hands and certainly is fortunate to have family around him that cares so much.
No, I sent you a private message as to his background.
His childhood is a possibility, tho. I will mention that to the doc.
We wondered that too, especially with vascular dementia.
Prayers.
Praying.
“he punched a resident out of the blue for no reason”
Maybe your dad still has great instincts even if he can’t clearly articulate the reason(s). Some just do need a good punching... :)
The second one was a woman (resident) 😢
A caregiver saw it, she was just walking past him. It’s crazy - he has never hurt a soul his whole life.
No, he hasn’t had the shot. He’s one of the few there that hasn’t.
Was thinking same thing. His dad might have been acting perfectly normal depending on real circumstances.
They thought that the first time because the guy came up behind him and a lady who were walking together and pushed through them. But the second was a woman who was just walking by. The caregiver saw it.
They sent him to the ER right then - it was that out of character for him.
Prayers for him and you.
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