Dad’s behavior is it a going problem or a growing problem?
Dad’s behavior is it a going problem or a growing problem?
When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia it is easy to become so transfixed on treating their memory loss that we begin to forget about other things that may ail them. However, it is important to keep all of their medical conditions under control. By doing this you will help them better manage the disease and sometimes ward off behaviors that may cause them or others harm or frustration.
A urinary tract infection is a common condition that has a tendency to increase behaviors and speed up the symptoms of both Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. While more common in women, men are more likely to get urinary tract infections after the age of 50 due to issues with their prostate. In addition, those with a history of kidney stones, urinary tract abnormalities, weakened immune systems, spinal cord injuries, diabetes and those who have been catheterized are more likely to develop a urinary tract infection.
Unfortunately, many times a urinary tract infection goes undetected in our loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, simply because they cannot tell us that they are in pain or remember how often they are using the toilet or even where the bathroom is located. However, as caregivers it important to watch for the signs of a urinary tract infection, which are:
A strong urge to urinate all of the time
A burning sensation when urinating
Frequently passing of only small amounts of urine
Pain in the lower abdomen or back
Bloody or cloudy, strong-smelling urine
Disrobing of clothing, especially pants and underwear at inappropriate times
Urinating in inappropriate places and objects (plant containers, garbage cans etc…)
Increased agitation or aggression
Sudden incontinence of the bowel or bladder
Not everyone with a urinary tract infection will develop the above symptoms, but most people have some. If left untreated, urinary tract infections can cause severe incontinence and if the infection spreads to the blood system may even lead to death.
As a caregiver you can do a few simple things to help manage your loved ones bathroom routine.
Make sure the person can find the bathroom by removing furniture or other obstacles that may hinder them. In addition, make sure the bathroom is brightly lit and place a picture of or a bathroom sign on the door or keep the bathroom door open with the lights on so that the toilet is visible.
Provide clothes that are easy to clean and to remove, such as those with an elastic waistband.
Encourage your loved one to tell you when they need to use the bathroom and watch for nonverbal cues such as pacing, hiding in corners and restlessness.
Remove plants, wastebaskets and other objects that could be mistaken for a toilet.
Find out what your loved one’s normal toileting schedule is and help remind them to use the bathroom just before their usual time or try using a schedule (every two or four hours). In addition, give your loved one plenty of time to use the bathroom, so that they fully empty their bladder and bowel.
However, remember bladder and bowel accidents may happen. It is important that you do not scold or humiliate your loved one. Treat them as you would like to be treated, with dignity and respect. Remember in the end it doesn’t matter if it is a “going problem or a growing problem” he is still your Dad and you will always love him!
My father has been here only a little over 2 months. The positive change in him has been DRAMATIC! I would HIGHLY recommend Azura........ I would give it 10 stars if they allowed it! This is the premier facility for any family member with cognitive issues! They do treat residents like family, believe it!
Review posted by Stephen Diedrich
The staff at Oak Creek are all fabulous! It takes special people to care for our loved ones. If has been a trying year for all and the staff at oak creek get a shout out for their kindness and compassion they give to my mom and the others. They have all gone above and beyond to make things seem as normal as possible for my mom! All of the staff have been so helpful and kind! They are all fabulous!!
Review posted by Mary Kubacki
"We want to thank you for the loving special care you took of our mother, Diane. It was truly mom's home and you all became part of our family. Everything was home for her....from the beautiful rooms, large sunny windows all around, good food made with love, fun and personal activities from people who really loved our mom. We would highly recommend your facility to anyone. The staff from the director, to the doctor, to the nurse, to the caregivers and the maintenance man were all extremely helpful, caring, loving and professional. There are not enough words to say how much we appreciate all of you. Your exceptional care, kindness, and love were beyond anything we could have imagined. You were part of our family, and we will miss you." - Gail Sommers and Deborah Guse
Review posted by Gail Sommers & Deborah Guse
Just moved my sister-in-law to Azura Stoughton on February 12th. I feel like I’ve found a little piece of dementia heaven. The staff has gone way beyond my expectations to meet her needs and take time to know her. Anyone who has dementia deserves the TLC they receive at Azura. I’m so impressed.
Review posted by Gail Aaroen
Thank you to the Azura Memory Care team, Sheboygan location for the amazing, loving care they provided my dad. They truly loved and cared for my dad as if he was their own. It is such a warm, loving, family environment I only wish we would have moved my dad there years earlier!
Review posted by Patti Bunch
Review posted by Ron Paxson
I have enjoyed working with patients at Azura Care as a Physical Therapist Assistant. The staff has been very helpful in sharing important information about the patients to make their therapy sessions as productive as possible. They are open to learning techniques to help keep patients safe and improve their ability to perform daily tasks with less assistance. Their interactions with patients show caring and compassion with a focus on the needs of each individual to enjoy the best quality of life possible.
Review posted by Barb Eisenberg
The journey of caregiving for my Aunt started over 4 years ago. It has been a very long difficult journey. It is hard to watch and frustrating to watch a loved one decline, as well as for them to live the decline. My Aunt found her final peace at Azura Memory Care in Sheboygan. It was not only her peace but mine as well. I no longer had to worry about her care as I could see that she was loved by her Azura family. She passed away on June 21 and they knew how important that it was for me to be there, but I also found peace that if I was not there, she was with family that loved her. No words can express the appreciation for the care, compassion and love that they have for all their residents. God has opened many doors through my journey and the doors at Azura were truly a gift from God. This family made a difference in a long journey. I will always have them in my thoughts and prayers. They are where and doing what they are meant to do!