My Mom is in late stages of Alzheimer's. She can barely walk and usually has to sit down when she gets halfway to the bathroom. When she finally gets to the bathroom she repeats, I have to go, I have to do, meaning she needs to use the bathroom, but she doesn't know how to sit down. I have no idea what to do at this point. Can anyone offer suggestions?
Hi Patrice, I'm a little confused by your question - she can sit down on the way to the bathroom, but can't sit on the toilet, or doesn't know which place is the appropriate place to do her stuff? 2 things come to mind. One is a little portable potty, which you can place nearer to her, to save all the walking. The other is just to reassure her that this is the place for her to go, saving her some embarrasment about getting it right, since maybe she's just not sure. Good luck!
Hi Patrice,
I tihnk Rebecca's suggestion of a portable potty is spot on. My dad, mother-in-law and father-in-law have all had to use one at various times for various reasons and while they aren't the most attractive piece of furniture in a room, they were really helpful. None of my family members have Alzheimer's, but they'll all agree that not having to walk far to use the toilet was very appreciated. Maybe if the effort getting to the bathroom wasn't so much for your mom, she'd have an easier time.
Good luck!
Hey Patrice!
How is your mom doing? Have you had any success? 
Hi Missy!
Actually I have good news to report. We stopped the Exelon patch that mom was wearing and decreased the Abilify per the doctors orders and she is much better. She is walking better, answering questions and just generally more alert. I really think she was over medicated. I just keep holding my breath that when I call she will have slipped back to the way she was a few days ago.
Thanks for checking!
Patrice
Hi Patrice,
That's great news. You know it just blows me away to discover how many times the issues are related to the medications or other seemingly unrelated things. Good luck!
Thanks so much for the update, Patrice! That's fantastic news! I'm so thankful a medication switch made the difference. I agree with Rebecca. It also blows my mind when drugs cause such havoc! My dad is working through one right now. It's a cholesterol med that's making him sleep 20 hours a day! Ay yi yi! Anyway, I'm so happy you've got good update!
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