My Mother has dementia and she lives alone and does not want any help.?

Question

She is very independent and does not like Doctors. She has been complaining that her mouth is sore and will not let me take her to a dentist. I can get her to her Dr. for her breast cancer, but she is becoming more and more unwilling to go. She just turned 86 years old. She does not want to move in with me and wants to live in her own home, and refuses to even think of a nursing home.My living in her home would not work out as she doesn't want anyone even looking at or touching anything. My main concern is her sore mouth and what can I do to help her, I really think that there is nothing I can do as an attorney tells me that it is her right to refuse care, I just hurt for her and wonder what I can do to get her to the dentist.

Answer 1

If she has dementia, as in it has been diagnosed and you can get a letter from her doctor stating that, then my suggestion is to go to an attorney and see about getting POA (power-of-attorney). She cannot take care of herself properly, and I don't think it should be too difficult to get this done.

Sit her down and talk to her about her mouth. Tell what what you said above--you hurt for her. Try to explain it upsets you to see her in pain, and see if she'll agree to go to the dentist.

Answer 2

If she has dementia, then she no longer has the ability to choose for herself. You need to go to court and have guardianship awarded to you, or another family member, and get her into a safe environment where she cannot get hurt or lost (it happens)
Sorry to hear this, my dad is in beginning stages I think.

Answer 3

I went through this same thing with my mom. I think we have to turn into the parent as they seem to turn into the kid. Just will have to tell her to be ready and you have the appointment and she is going.