I hope to talk to mom's doctor this coming week, but I wanted to see if anyone had some input. Last week I noticed that mom did not have her usual lip quivering which her psych meds give her. That day she was very upset about everything and worse than she had been in months. She said she had not been given her meds the night before. With the lack of a quivering lip, I believed that might be accurate. I spoke with the admin and she said that if anyone misses a dose she is called by staff and no one called her. She said she would check on it. I told the admin mom was very agitated (mom is generally on meds for that.) Well, I have not been alerted to any med change, but the last two visits mom has been far more calm to the point I found her today sitting in the dark staring at the wall, not like her at all. I asked her why and she said she didn't realize it was dark. She is usually excellent on dates, but forgot it was my birthday week (first time in 52 years) and asked if it was my anniversary this week (it's in December). She did not seem sleepy and said she had slept very, very well that night and had taken a nap and was going to take another, not like her usual behavior. She might take one nap a day if she doesn't get a full night's sleep, or is sick but doesn't nap twice in a day otherwise. Mom's doctor (the one that the MC facility hired) two years ago told me mom does not have dementia and sure enough mom has been pretty good with long term and short term memory for the most part and gets very upset if she forgets even a birthdate of a cousin. So, part of me wonders if this is sudden signs of dementia or if they started her on meds without telling me or if she was without night meds for a week and now is on them and is adjusting or if something else is going on. The awesome woman in charge of meds just retired recently. Mom and I did talk a lot today and she asked questions that surprised me as I had answered them last week, but did seem to remember it was Sunday as she mentioned church services. We love this MC and so far it's been a blessing. Is there anything I need to ask her doctor other than if she has noticed a change in mom or if she changed her meds? Thank you.
Also check to see if there was a change in med tech staff during that time.
I found meds in the bedding and on the floor a couple of times. Once when I mentioned to the staff they replied it could not have been them, that they crushed all meds and put them in a pudding. Turns out that particular one was doing just that, even the thyroid med that was meant to be given on an empty stomach. Thyroid test confirmed that indeed she had been crushing the meds with food as her test indicated she wasn’t getting the meds. We never found out where the other pills came from. Interestingly they were the same type/color/strength that aunt took. 😗
Also make sure mom is hydrated. If she is sitting more than usual, drinking less water, not eating as much, the meds could be stockpiling in her system and can reach a level of toxicity.
I just went back and check your post and saw this
“The awesome woman in charge of meds just retired recently.” I think you are on to something with this observation.
When we list all the hats we have to wear as caregivers, we can’t forget detective. 🔎
I would be shocked if your mother was put on new meds w/o your approval, but you never know. Ask the doctor your questions and check back in with the Qmap but I think it's fair to expect many changes as time progresses.
I take an antidepressant that causes my lower lip to quiver. But not all the time or even daily, although I'm religious about taking the meds daily. Every day is different.
My mother was fine up until after breakfast one Tues morning, when she said she was tired and went back to bed. This NEVER happened before. She became semi comatose and passed one week later, to the day, w/o ever regaining consciousness. I did not expect it at all. You just don't know from day to day.
Best of luck to you.