Nan has had dementia for years, she has to have 24hr a day care, which means Mum,my sister and myself have to take turns to stay with her. She frequently talks to people that are not there and sleeps most of the day & night. Owns her own home but cannot manage stairs, doesnt know where she is or what things are. Cant eat or drink on own. Major rows over care as sister doesnt agree - Nan owns her own home?? Any suggestions pls
I'm wondering if Nan might be eligible for Hospice care. Have you considered that?
Best wishes
Sunrise Syndrome,(sun?riz) a condition in which a person with Alzheimer's wakes up rising in the morning and their mind is filled with delusions which include include beliefs about theft, the patient's house not being their home, a spouse is an impostor, belief an intruder is in the house, abandonment, spousal and paranoia, people eavesdropping. Sometimes the person may carry over content of a dream.
One observation is that Sunrise Syndrome is different from Sundowning because the person may wake up in a confabulation mind set. During a Sunrise Syndrome conversation with the content may filled with confabulations; verbal statements and/or actions that inaccurately describe history, background and present situations.
Sundowning in contrast displays as confusion, disorientation, wandering, searching, escape behaviors, tapping or banging, vocalization, combativeness; the demons of anxiety, anger, fear, hallucinations and paranoia come out.
Hallucinations and delusions are symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. With hallucinations or delusions, people do not experience things as they really are.
Delusions are false beliefs. Even if you give evidence about something to the person with dementia, she will not change her belief. For example, a person with dementia may have a delusion in which she believes someone else is living in her house when she actually lives alone. Delusions can also be experienced in the form of paranoid beliefs, or accusing others for things that have not happened. For example, the person with dementia may misplace an item and blame others for stealing it. Some people with dementia may have the delusion that others are "out to get them." For example, he may believe that his food is being poisoned.
Reliable Support by Experts for family and CareGivers
Here is A knowledge network for caregivers' from Organizations and Associations | Government Local, State, Federal, International as well as: Medical Centers, Hospitals, Schools and University's. Dave Mainwaring's Knowledge-Network http://dandyfunk2.blogspot.com
The sister who is in charge of Nan's finances (does she have POA) may be legitimately concerned about Nan's money lasting the rest of her life. Or she may have less noble motivations.
But the fact is, Nan needs 24/7 care. If you and Mom decline to continue providing this, then something else would have to be arranged, wouldn't it? An appropriate care center where all of you can visit her frequently as loving family members and not as hands-on caregivers might be a huge benefit for everyone.
If you no longer feel that keeping Nan at home is the best for her, "resign" from your part of the caregiving arrangement. Be polite but firm.