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Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention; if you think your problem could be acute, do so immediately. Even qualified doctors can't diagnose over the internet, so do bear that in mind when seeking or giving advice.
Dementia & Alzheimer's
Mum confused
nevis42 · 04/04/2022 19:00
My mum is 84 and she had an arm fracture following a fall 3 months ago. Since then she's getting more and more confused.... forgetting how to use the remote control every day, how to put a coat on, lock the door etc. She's also become incontinent and has stopped washing herself, sitting in her nightie all day. Initially after the operation on her arm, she had carers 3 times a day but now that's stopped and myself and my brother are trying our best but my it's so difficult.....mum lives on her own and not the most pleasant of people.
We've tried social services who say they can't do anything unless mum asks herself (she won't) and now we've contacted her Dr but who basically says the same thing!! We're getting frantic phone calls all hours of the day/night over the most simple of things. It's causing so much stress but we don't know where to go for help. Mum hasn't got a UTI as was tested last week. Advice if possible please
PritiPatelsMaker · 30/04/2022 18:46
I think that she needs other infections ruling out before anyone else happens.
How are things now?
BlanketsBanned · 30/04/2022 18:52
If the confusion is getting worse it could be an infection, anaesthesia and operations can cause confusion or she may have hit her head when she fell. I would call 111 for advice as it sounds she is worse and is un safe at home.
JoeGoldberg · 30/04/2022 18:53
My mum was like this when her sodium was low. Forgot how to use the phone, the tv remote, the microwave etc. Has your mum had a blood test for sodium levels? Mine needed a few days in hospital on iv to get it right again. She's perfectly fine now.
PritiPatelsMaker · 30/04/2022 19:35
Agree with phoning 111. That's the only way our DM got checked out and received care afterwards 
nevis42 · 30/04/2022 20:00
Thanks for all your replies 🙂
Unfortunately mum is now back in hospital. Her foot became very badly swollen and despite phone calls and photos, her Dr didn't come out and see her in person, just prescribed painkillers. Eventually after much coaching, got her to the drs. After he'd examined mums foot he admitted we'd saved her life by bringing her as all the arteries were blocked. Said he'd refer her to hospital. After a few days, letter arrived asking us to refer her for a date, the earliest of which was end of July! Couple of days later mums toes went black..... rushed her to A&E and been in hospital a week. They plan to put a balloon stent in her artery and see if it works. Been warned however that she may lose her whole foot due to gangrene!! Immensely frustrated by her Dr ..... I'm sure this could be have been prevented with more care from them. Hopefully now mum will at least get the appropriate care and some kind of onward care for when she finally gets home.
JoeGoldberg · 30/04/2022 20:03
Thanks for the update, OP, sorry to hear about your mum but glad to hear she's getting treatment.
Kione · 01/05/2022 10:11
I work with old people and never understood the refusal of services if they don't give consent, to people with dementia!
In this case OP, if she is still confused and self neglecting, contact a charity like Alzheimers Society.
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