I'm my Mom's caregiver and Mom has dementia which is progressing. I do control her medication because she is too confused to know what to take. Anyway my Mom has always been obsessed with her bowel movements and used to take many Fleet Enema's which I stopped because she would spill them on the floor which made her fall down previously. Now she uses suppositories but if I give her the jar she can use 10 to 15 a day so I took them away and give her 2 a day. I do give her Miralax mixed in prune juice every evening to help her go. She says to me that I am controlling her (which I am) and I don't know what to say to her. I am trying to protect her from hurting herself. Any suggestions? Thanks, Jenna
I feel so bad for my Mom because she lost her independence. Even with her dementia she knows she lost it, she tells me how much she misses driving, etc. And sometimes I really don't know what to say to her to make her feel better. I bring up her life and we talk about what a great life she had which is true. Raising 4 children, running her own business, etc. And that makes her happy...
Thanks again!
Jenna
Over stimulating the bowels isn't healthy, and any sort of "insert", can be dangerous, be it enemas or suppositories. Any natural remedy you can use such as prunes, prune juice or increase fluids is always best. I know that you are doing all you can to keep the peace and keep her happy!
" The doctor says it has to be this way, mom" works for a lot of folks.
That said, I have tried to get her to eat prunes, fiber, etc. I have made green drinks using fresh veggies but she doesn't want that. I made soup with lots of fresh veggies and she will have some of that.
Anyway, thanks for the suggestions as I know drinking Miralax, using "inserts" is not healthy. Again, my Mom is 92 and she is not going to change now.
HolidayEnd, I have said that to my Mom but it didn't work. I have said to her in a gentle voice that I am trying to help her.
Jenna