Forced exam

[fvkasm2x]

I have an elderly family member who is not doing well mentally.

They have either dementia or Alzheimer's (in some early form, it isn't full on quite yet). However, this person thinks they are completely sane/normal... when everyone around them knows they aren't. Suggestions that they get help, go for a check up, etc... are met with violence, anger, and threats.

Does anyone have experience with this? How does one tip toe around this and still get results?

[fvkasm2x]

Really? Nobody?

[Jo]

Whoever is closest (emotionally) would probably be the best one to pursue this, or someone this person respects enough not to lash out? Maybe a sibling?

[Queen K]

Really? Nobody?

Seriously, I just saw this now. I work with this process of decline every day. We, homecare workers, can spot them early on, just by taking the time to piece things together and asking appropiate questions at the right time. We write detailed reports about what the client actually STATES and DOES.

Here is the proof in the pudding for the upper level clinicians and doctors to evaluate. See, the CHW is the one dealing with the nitty gritty, not the nurse, not the doctor, it's us. And we quite honestly get the real person, not the person who is trying their best for the nurse or doctor. A lot of difference there.

Now, as for your dilemma, you will be better off journaling everything, including the reactions you see when proposing a doctor's visit. Because you might have to see the doctor first, and take evidence. Lot's of it.

Is this person doing dangerous things or putting others in danger?

[fvkasm2x]

Is this person doing dangerous things or putting others in danger?

Depends on what you classify as dangerous... but I would probably say no (other than poor driving habits that almost cause accidents and then road rage against EVERYONE, including their own passengers).

They also live alone, so there is no way for Home Care Workers or anything like that to document things.

[Catz]

hmmm...tough one...let me think on it...can the family do a homecare consult without a doctor referal? I think so...call them up and have them arange a home visit.

[Queen K]

hmmm...tough one...let me think on it...can the family do a homecare consult without a doctor referal? I think so...call them up and have them arange a home visit.

Yes for sure, I was referring to FMX to document everything he sees, including the road rage he just told us about and then taking his findings to IHA specifically.

If Intake and a clinician think he's on to something they do a friendly home visit and talk to the people in question. They have a test which helps them evaluate where the individual is at mentally. Some people are on the high side of the scale and still managing, others not so much. But definitely the OP needs to document stuff to take to IH to even get them to do some more serious inquiries.

[Catz]

I thought so...you know way more about this stuff than I.

[Lore]

Why don't you contact ICBC and tell them your concerns with their driving abilities and ask if the person can be brought in for a driving test. Then if they fail the test they would probably need a doctor exam and/or medical report to get their license back. Someone close to a senior reporting dangerous driving should be taken seriously and for others safety as well maybe that person should be off the road.

[fvkasm2x]

Why don't you contact ICBC and tell them your concerns with their driving abilities and ask if the person can be brought in for a driving test. Then if they fail the test they would probably need a doctor exam and/or medical report to get their license back. Someone close to a senior reporting dangerous driving should be taken seriously and for others safety as well maybe that person should be off the road.

Because that isn't even what the thread is really about. What good does that do anyone in getting a medical exam?

[Queen K]

Aha! But think what if the medical examine includes a test for mental health too. And the file has to start somewhere, especially if the person is reluctant to get help in the first place.

When was the last time this person sought a doctor for anything at all? And believe me, some are experts in covering up but at some point the professional can uncover it all for the safety of all.

[fvkasm2x]

I highly doubt some ICBC road tester is going to suggest this person get checked out for dementia or a mental exam if he fails his test.

I want him examined. I don't want to play Russian Roulette with his driving license on the small hope that the tester has a history/knowledge of dementia and can spot the signs during a 15 min drive.

[Catz]

did you do what was suggested?

[Nurse10]

I too have worked with a lot of people with dementia and have had a similar situation with one of my family members. First of all, I suggest going to the Canadian Alzheimer Society's website (www.alzheimer.ca). They have a lot of really great resources that will help you identify the different signs of Alzheimer's disease. You might find more examples of typical behaviour that your family member is displaying. The more information you can give to the doctor, the more likely they'll be able to do something. You could go to your family member's doctor and discuss your concerns and see what could be done. The doctor may be able to do the screening the next time your family member is at the office.

Also, when we were concerned about my grandma, I took my mom (who was very hesitant to do anything) to the Alzheimer's Society in Kelowna. We were able to talk to some experts in Alzheimer's Disease. They might be able to help you figure out what the best thing to do is. If nothing else, they are really good at providing support.

It's a tough thing because people who have dementia or Alzheimer's can no longer reason, as you are experiencing. Overall, you have to look at the safety of your family member.

Best of luck to you!

[Queen K]

A friend of mine is in this position with her dad. Very soon he will find out he will not be able to go outside the facility on his own. This is for everyone's safety and the decision to get a doctor's recommendation was not made lightly. He was becoming dangerous out in public and had to be attended to frequently (read: rescued). The final straw was the scooter breaking down in the heat and he didn't know what to do.

Sad all around for everyone.

I was with a family today who was moving their mom to a safer place (read: locked unit) but at least now she won't be found outside at 4 in the morning with just a thin nightgown on.