This has been going on for about a month I'm really tired of it.At night she goes to a spare bedroom but that one burns her too.Then she goes downstairs to sleep on her recliner.In the morning she asks me if I'm happy with what I'm doing to her.She just came in while I'm writing this and asked for something to rub on her leg.She said my husband is doing this to her.Him or me?Whatever
Last week I got tired of hearing it and gave her lotion to put on her "burns".Now I live with the lotion monster.I don't know how to stop this lotion business-but she is going to ruin all the furniture at this rate.
I'm tired,I guess I sleep but listen for her during the night.
I am going to call the doctor monday morning.There has to be something they can give her.
I have all the patience in the world for forgetfulness but This hatefulness is more than I can take
I would also suggest that before you just have her put on medication to 'keep her calm' or make her sleep, be aware that this can also create NEW problems some of which can have much worse consequences.
I found that being really creative has solved more problems and made it easier to live with my mother who also had Alzheimers' Night time can be very difficult for those with Alzheimer's or any dementia. Learning some new techniques and 'night time habits' may help her sleep better at night. If she is napping most of the day, make sure she has things to do (or go to a senior center so she is comfortably tired at night).
Limit coffee or any stimulants to early evening. Taking a warm shower before bedtime may also help as well as a soft radio station to give her something else to concentrate on.
If her medical test show nothing physically wrong, then you will have to try some other tactics to help her relax.
FIRST: agree with her. Let her know that you understand what she is saying,and then calmly assure her that you will take care of the problem. Then go to her room. and 'pretend' to fix the problem, even if it means walking OUT of her room with a FAKE cord that was 'accidentally' plugged into the wall! It might just work.
SECOND: ask her when she first noticed the problem, and what she thinks the solution is. With Alzheimer's please understand that she needs your help figuring out how to solve a problem and perhaps she isn't using the right words anymore. May her legs aren't BURNING, but maybe they are hurting (restless leg syndrome) Here is one of my experiences: my mother was complaining about 'her legs itching' and come to find out that since she was snacking while sitting in her 'recliner' there were SUGAR ANTs in her pants (LOL). Seriously... I thought it was a manifestation in her mind and it really wasn't!! We got rid of the crumbs and the ants went away, and so did the itching!!
THIRD: if the problem persists, she could be needing extra attention and assistance. With Alzheimer's they tend to rely more and more on their caregiver, all the while complaining about what 'WE' are doing to them. Its hard for them to admit that there is anything wrong with them. Proud as they are.
I could go on, but if you are NOT new to the Alzheimer's experience it will seem like I am lecturing, when in fact I am just trying to offer my experiences so you can shorten your learning curve.
I am sure that others will offer their sage advise too, and we can discuss this further.
When she asks you to unplug the heat, I think I would have something plugged something in (a radio under the bed or something) and LET HER unplug it. That way she will be sure it was unplugged. takeCare. karen
I feel for you, you are dealing with a hateful elder, like I am, and it doesn't get any better. Just remember to take some time away to enjoy yourself, AND DON'T FEEL GUILTY when you do!~
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A medical evaluation seems in order for your mother.
Peripheral neuropathy and/or her current medications
would seem to be the first items for her doctor to consider.
Be careful about asking the doctor to "Give her something"!
Elderly people are often very sensitive to such drugs, which can exacerbate everything from constipation to paranoia. They could well backfire on you. Also, buy a cream that absorbs quickly into the skin so there won't be greasy stains to contend with. Creams absorb better than ointments.