Very bad decline in relative with dementia

[Cloudyy9]

A close relative has EOD. Her DD would like some advice please.

She is 63. She does have carers that come to her house (she lives alone). Met today she was wearing a hat and thick coat in this 30 degree heat and she does this everyday . Her hair is also matted and stuck to her head. There was nothing in the fridge. She is not eating, drinking much. and always out walking. we are very worried. Would you say it’s time for a home for her?

I would at least get an urgent Care Act/ Social Services assessment to check for risks of self neglect.

Sorry for your friend and her mum. It can go that way, all of a sudden getting a lot worse

It does sound like a home could be an option at this stage.

You might want to post this on the Elderly Parents Board (under Other Stuff) or the Dementia and Alzheimers Board (under Health) where you'll find other MNers with similar experiences.

You'll get good support and advice on the elderly parents board.

Unfortunately if a dementia sufferer is deemed as having capacity still, it can be tricky to get enough support unless something "really bad" happens, such as a fall requiring hospitalisation or a wandering episode involving the police.

If the relative has carers coming in, I assume that ASC has been involved, unless it's all self-funded and through a private agency.

A situation like this should fall under safeguarding, but alot hinges on how the dementia sufferer presents to the professionals they encounter, and some can "show time" or "hostess mode" very convincingly.

Does the daughter have POA?

Unfortunately someone deemed to have capacity has the right to make unwise decisions, and it can be a bit of a minefield. They also retain the right to make decisions around their care, where they live etc.

That said, a sympathetic SW or GP is a good first port of call.

I send best wishes to you all, and hope things can be managed before a crisis hits x

Solidarity ❤️

Sad to read this. A home seems to me an option, having known a work colleague whose mother was in the same situation.