My 69 yo husband has Frontal dementia. Three weeks ago I needed to call 911 because of his escalating violence. He was transported to a medical facility for medical clearance before being admitted to a Psych setting for medication adjustment. Psych hosp. had no bed. He currently remains at the medical hospital in occassional restraints. I'm unable to find any nursing home willing to take him because of the restraints. He has difficulty walking because of a failing hip replacement. Does anyone have any ideas how I can proceed
Jean- I am so so sorry to hear about this. It is indeed sad when the psych hospital cannot find room for him. Is there perhaps another facility nearby?? A med faciility should not have to keep him in restraints....perhaps an emergency dose of seroquel or risperadone would help, if you can find a doctor that will ignore the black box warnings....anything has to be better than restraints. I wish I could be there at the psych hosp....I would make sure that they somehow found a bed....I perhaps would encourage one of the residents to wander.,...(under my supervision of course). I am reminded of an old story long ago, when a pregnant woman was trying to find a place to stay for the night.....turns out that the only thing available was a stall for animals, so that is where she went...AHHHH...that turned out to be the reason for Christmas.
Thanks PHRANQUE....He's on 700 of Seroquel, they've been adding increasing doses of Depakote. They're afraid he'll fall because of his inability to walk. A real risk for everyone!
Jean, how awful for both of you!! I really wish I had some great advice to offer you but I have never had to deal with this. My only suggestion would be to try to have him transported to another facility. There has to be a bed open somewhere I would think? Most nursing homes are now very strict with their no restraint policies. Even simple preventive measures like a safety belt to prevent falls are not allowed. I doubt you will be able to find any nursing home that will take him until his meds are adjusted. How tragic..... sorry I couldn't be of more help. Big huge hugs ((jean))
Jean, have your tried talking to the Social Worker at the Medical Hospital? He/she should have, or be able to, access to the info. as to what's available and then offer you choices and recommendations. I don't know your system where you live, but often there is a Nursing Supervisor who can get you in touch with the Social Worker. The Medical Hospital will be as anxious as you are to have their bed freed for medical patients and have your husband placed where he will get the most suitable care. It's out there somewhere, maybe not as ideal as we would all like, but he will get care. Chin up.
Psych hospital refused admission yesterday......"inappropriate for their setting". The Social Worker has been involved all along. She is going to call NHs today. I need to find out what goes on at night. That's when the restraints go on. I'm there during the day. He seems sedated if not involved in visits or meals and talks to me, albeit in a confused manner(as he did at home) Thank you for your responses. I feel emotionally beaten. I've been dealing with his increasingly violent behavior for well over 2 years at home. I can't manage him here again. I'm so afraid they will leave me no choice.
jean-as long as your husband is in a facility they cannot discharge him to an unsafe situation. It's up to the facility to find a place for your husband. If you take him home you lose that advantage.
This is true. They cannot release your hb until a safe and suitable place is found for him. Have you talked to his doctors or the administration for assistance? His doctor should prescribe meds for your hb's behavior. I am surprised the facility or doctor has not done this. You need to be very aggressive sometimes to get things done. Good luck
Spoke to his doctor today (the hospitalist), who tells me they are trying 2 new psych meds today. He has a raging scrotal fungal infection that has him screaming in pain and caused security to be called when he reacted to the medication application on 11-7 last night. He's not eating and drinks sips only. Med administration is a nightmare. I've stayed until PM care is finished and meds are given. They are trying various med combinations while he's here, lee012. He came in on a slew of meds and they are adjusting them and more. I've asked to see a Neurologist. This doctor doesn't acknowledge his symptoms of rage as being part of his dementia,but says it is a psychiatric disorder ???
I know they won't make us leave, but they are making it uncomfortable. Thanks for the helpful info and caring thoughts.....jean
jean-the faciliity sounds like a nightmare. Did you get an explanation as to why the psych hosp was an inappropriate setting? I have been where you are and know how terrible it is.
jean the fungal infection can come from the chemicals in some throwaway diapers or even detergents used to wash clothes. i found clotrimazole 1% to be very helpful for the infections but it does burn at first when applied. poor guy. the pain from the infection is a catch 22 causing him more grief and rage probably. i hope you are able to get things under control and the new meds work.