Has anyone dealt with getting a late night call from the nursing home saying your parent is in the middle of a tirade? This happened to me last night. My Dad was threatening people and went on like this for about 12 hours. He was threatening to kill my Mom so I promised the nursing staff that I would make sure she did not go out there today. He has calmed down but still says he's going to leave the nursing home. He's in the process of getting an Alzheimer's diagnosis after scoring poorly on an assessment next week. He has a history or neurological issues including seizures and a water pocket at the base of his brain. Since he has verbally and physically harmed my Mom before, we opted to keep him at the nursing home. He ended up there after stays in ICU in July after breathing difficulties related to COPD. He also is very weak in his legs from osteoporosis. I'm concerned that he could get thrown out of the nursing home.
Our situation took the turn, I feared. The nursing home wants to release him on Friday despite his threats to kill my Mom. Mom is calling her attorney and we're praying for the best.
Have him admitted to the hospital, he could a have medical reason for this issue. He may have some other neuro issues popping up that have precipitated this behavior. A CAT scan or MRI would show if there is a structural or increased intracranial pressure reason for his behavior. If nothing else, get them to do a psych eval on him. I don't know where you are located, but many states have a psych hold where the person can be admitted & held for psych issues for 72 hous. If he doesn't have a safe location to be discharged to, I don't think they can discharge him. He clearly seems like a danger to himself, and possibly your mother. I'll keep you and your parents in my prayers.
Susan
Thank you. He is seeing a neurologist on Thursday and has a host of neurological issues including possible Alzheimer's. The nursing home did an assessment and he scored poorly which indicates a need for further evaluation. He also has a water pocket at the base of his brain which was found in 2001. There are numerous factors. The nursing home has given us an extra week. I'm not sure if this was because of the attorney or what since I missed my Mom's call.
Good, meanwhile, it's possible a mild sedative dose (such as Ativan or Haldol) may be helpful to calm him a bit. On occasion, they can escalate behavior, but in my opinion it is worth a try.
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