My MIL is 92 years old and lives alone. She was diagnosed with dementia and is starting to get progressively worse. Her children have just gotten an aide in the home three days a week, four hours a day to help out. However, my mother-in-law does not acknowledge that there is anything wrong and continues to do things that she did when she was young, including climbing up stepladders while she is alone. We have started moving things in the kitchen cabinets down to lower shelves so she won't have to climb. BUT ... She climbs on the ladder to clean the top of her Windows, adjust shades, etc. any suggestions on how to get her to stop,doing this? I suggested just taking the step ladder out of the house but my husband feels that she will just then use a chair. I am so afraid she will fall, break a hip ( or worse) and then end up in a home. Thanks for any and all suggestions!
As I started dealing with my Dads dementia I was obsessed about every detail. I did everything I could think of around the house and then sit and worry that I forgot this and should have done that. I was driving myself nuts.
It's as good as I can get it, much better than most oldster homes, but one of them will fall, there'll be a trip to the e ward soon, Dads dementia is going to get worse etc. I still worry but accepting the realities of eldercare has made my life easier.
She probably won't change until she falls. Sad reality, but that's been my experience. The delusion of invincibility sometimes sets in as age and fragility take away one's mobility, and the need to reinforce the ability to still do challenging tasks becomes stronger.
One possible way is tell her you your admire her strength, want to be more like her, and ask if you can help her do these ladder tasks so you can learn from her. Pretend you're still the DIL who can benefit from her wisdom, ask her to show you the best way to clean the high places, and ask her to let you know whenever she's going to be doing ladder work so you can observe her style and techniques. Then once you're there, ask if you can do the work and she can guide you, and critique if necessary. This does require swallowing some pride though.
It could accomplish 2 things: (1) she won't be alone and when you're there and you can do the work under her "supervision", and (2) it could (emphasize "could") in some way reinforce her need to prove she's still a viable worker.
This approach is part of the transition from being a "doer" to becoming a "manager."
Dad still would go up those ladders. I had noticed the cathedral ceiling ceiling fan light globe was missing.... I bet Dad accidentally dropped it as his balance and eyesight weren't the best. I also recently noticed a light cover on a ceiling light in the bathroom was missing... bet it is in pieces somewhere.
Mom was in denial about Dad's age and ability to work on the honey-do lists. And Dad was afraid to tell Mom "no".
Elders are going to climb ladders no matter what is said. You just need to hold your breath and hope it is a safe landing.
Maybe there are tree branches that need cutting back so just arrive with the tools and do the job. You may get scolded for doing something the elder feels they could still accompish, but you will have prevented a possible accident and you know they won't get the ladder out and screw the limbs back on. Keep it to things that actually need doing not things that are not done your way. For example the kitchen is in bad need of a good cleaning. Now you can clean but don't rearrange the contents to your satisfaction without asking. Think of how you would feel.
Getting outside help in is also a problem but it may be easier in the beginning if it is something you no longer want to do like house cleaning. Approach it from the point of view that the helper is there for you to help you with the cleaning. Once the helper is accepted you can then back off and gradually stop doing anything. You may still need to be there but you can spend you time visiting with your loved one not cleaning the bathroom.
You will never stop a stubborn elder and I am one of them but you can go a long way by being vigilant. "Mom I am going to the big box store would you like to come along and pick up some stuff I know you don't have a membership but I can buy things and you can reimburse me or we can share some of the big packages because I know you don't need 24 toilet rolls at once" This may take care of Mom driving to the supermarket across town when you would rather she did not drive in heavy traffic.
If they are going to fall anyway...
I know that getting them to wear them is impossible.
So here is my real answer:
Make sure the chores requiring a ladder are already done on a regular basis. Just think....her house will be cleaner than yours in the high places.
If they are climbing up anyway, and won't allow you to do it, stand by, holding the ladder.
At least you can call 911.
If they climb while you are not there, remove the ladder. Get a safety step stool that has wide platforms, but they cannot climb as high. You are exactly right to place things more accessible.
Jessebelle, that is exactly what I said to my neighbor, as she hangs the bird feeder higher on the tree. And No, it didn't work so I stood by to hold the ladder. It was placed one side on a tree trunk.
If she shows she could benefit from a round of PT or OT this can be accomplished in her home. Google senior fitness tests and you'll see some examples of things you can test for at home on your own. Test yourself first and see how you do. They have examples of what we should be able to do based on age.
She may not have balance issues or she may and doesn't realize that she does. Stand on one foot and keep your balance. Then close your eyes and do that and you'll see what I mean.
My 90 yr old aunt really benefits from the therapy and enjoys the visits with the therapists.
Have an activity planned for her when she is alone. A favorite movie, a new puzzle. Depending on her interests. Perhaps there is a neighbor who would visit with her during the time of day that she might think she needs to do these tasks. Sometimes I think boredom is the problem.
You could also put a tie on the ladder so it won't open. If she cuts the tie off, you will know she has used it. You could put a note on it with your phone number asking her to call you should she need to use the ladder. I would be inclined to remove the ladder.
Not disagreeing that she might logically get a chair but logic is not on her side and she might not think of that. It depends on where she is in her dementia. Also, she will probably forget all about it after awhile. As the disease progresses she will not want to do all of the same things.