Our LO has dementia. I think it would be considered moderate stage.
Under what circumstances will the state step in? If someone is falling frequently, is that alone enough reason to remove them from the home? What would be done in a residential care facility to prevent falls that can't be done at home?
I think our LO is just forgetting the mechanics of standing up and walking. She seems to lose her balance and falls even when she looked like she was standing still. She is tumbling forward or sideways when seated on chairs and beds. If she takes a particularly bad spill, she is brought to the ER. She has not broken anything but she does bruise very easily and looks pretty battered. The ER cannot find any reason (low blood pressure, over medication, bad gait, ect...) for her falls. The ER discussed keeping her in the hospital for observation on the last ER visit, which upset her husband. They agreed to let her go home if he brought in more support.
There is a physical therapist coming tomorrow to evaluate the situation. But would the state require that she be removed from the home if we can't find some solution to her falling?
Moving her to a facility will not stop the falling, it may become even worse with her in unfamiliar surroundings. Nursing homes or memory care are not one on one care. They have other residents to care for too. Falls Will still happen.
I agree with you that residential care isn't going to solve this problem.
the same man fell twice today at mom's facility while trying to get up out of his wheelchair and another woman fell asleep and fell out of her chair
The ER doctor said Mom [mid-90's] must have caregivers to help her, but Mom refused big time. She was still of clear mind so we had to respect her decision even though it wasn't the best of decisions. Mom thought Dad could catch her before she fell. Well, Dad was also in his 90's and had the speed of a turtle.
I got Dad a new rolling walker which he really loved, and that helped with him tumbling out on the driveway when going to the mailbox. Mom refused to try the walker as she felt it would make her look old... [sigh].
Mom would become dizzy, and she did ok on a prescription med "Anti-vert", and also with using antihistamines.
Eye sight is also a factor in falls. Mom wore bi-focals so she was look through her "reading" lenses when walking, especially going down stairs, thus everything was fuzzy. Good strong shoes helped, too.