Elderly FIL ill - losing weight and change in behaviour

[fimac1]

Hi - don't know if anyone else has had experience with this, but FIL has recently lost lots of weight and has had a change in his normal behaviour to become obsessive over small things - hospital have ruled out cancer (although he has not had a scan - internal exam and blood work) but have not come up with any other reasons - the Geriatric clinic assessed him and he could remember his name, address etc. I am not that impressed with the hospital due to other family members experiences there and wondered any other Mners had had a similar experience with a relative? (He will be 86 in Dec). Wondered if he may have had a mild stroke?, would this also account for the weight loss?

I would discuss your concerns with your GP in the first instance, I would not let this lie. If you are concerned there is often good reason to be so. It does sounds like he needs more assessment. Is the gereatric clinic going to continue seeing him on a regular basis?. Would you prefer that he was seen by another hospital?.

Does he live independently or is he in a nursing home?.

Has anyone seen him eat?. Can he cook for himself if he lives independently?.

Dementia may also be a factor regarding the obsessions.

Hi - yes I wondered whether it might be dementia - he is in sheltered housing - with MIL, he is eating OK but is now on Ensure Plus, on prescription (Complan-like drink), not sure about the gereatric clinic following up, will ask. His GP is also concerned and has arranged the hospital appointments for him for bloods etc, we are thinking of paying privately for him to have a scan to rule out any cancer, the hospital have recommended x-ray of his chest and endoscopy which we are going to try and get done privately too as the long NHS wait will not help

Is he taking care of himeself, re keeping clean, taking are of his clothesetc or does MIL do it all for him?

With both my mother and aunt (who both have/had dementia caused by strokes) one of the first signs was a fall in standards of self care, not taking care of clothes, not cooking proper food etc

Yes that would be him - needs to be told to change undies etc - will pass on to dh thanks - you would think the 'experts' would have been able to help his family!

They are having Social Services out to see how they are coping in their flat so maybe they will assess him too?

Have you had a chat with the GP (sorry if I am being dim)? The GP is the usual 'route' thorogh to other assessments. With my mother, she was geiing some home support, and when these reported their wqorries (mums GP was crap I had discussed my worries but was being fobbed off) a social worker got in contact with the GP who contacted the consultant. Consultant made a home visit and mum was admitted to a psychgeriatric unit within the hour.

Have a chat with the GP about your worries

I have no idea what relevance it has but my father became depressed for the first time in his life, lost weight and then was diagnosed with Diabetes.the two probably aren't related! But since eating sensiblky and watching his sugar levels he has become a happy bunny again.

Fairifly

Stragely enough they have been testing him for Diabeties this year - has been coming out as borderline - will see what the latest bloods come back with, thanks. His GP is involved but not sure how good he is - will check if they can get a Social worker assigned as I know my elderly Uncle had one and they seemed to get things moving as far as appointments etc, thanks MartinBishop

Sometimes a urinary infection can dramatically change elderly folk. HTH

Yes - that was my actually the main prob my Uncle had - which actually led to his death in the end - FIL has got problems in that 'department' - will pass on info to dh thanks

I hope that your fils problems have been caused by a UTI, such things can have a very marked effect of the state of confusion of older people....they still affect my mum.

It might well be worth talking to social services, as you said the imput of a social worker can move things on, in addition they will also be able to advise you and your MIL about help that is available, for example help in the house, respite care etc.

Even if you fil doesn't need this now it is always worth expolring the possibilites before the situation comes to crisis point....as happened with my Mum. the longer you all have to get used to the idea of help etc the better, as you will not have to rush to make decisions.