My father has just been diagnosed with Vascular dementia.

What is the matter with the staff getting him up into a bedside high back chair..staying in bed will give him bed sores, he needs to be mobile and encouraged.  It would appear he is unhappy being there and is demonstrating this to you by his actions, .how advanced is his dementia? Is he on medication for it ?  does he talk to you is he aggressive ?

He would be better at home with you in a wheel chair with your care and medical support ..that's my view! If he is left in ther he will slip away. 

 

Your Dad will have short term Memory Loss..Take in some old photos  and talk about the past and his wife when they married..happy times most elderly remember thier live at their happiest around 30..We all get forgetful at times and if he is not happy he wont want to remember.. I would take the TV or radio in anyway ..just in case, I am afraid sometimes when patients are like this you have to think for them, a bit like a child, take in foods he likes..give it to himhelp him with his food. Its not easy, but if you have a sister, the caring will be halved.

Best of Luck.

 

How long has this decline been in progress? Such as how long since he could remember the names of someone he should remember? 

Vascular dementia is similar to aschaemic episodes is not chemical imbalance ie lack of Dopamine but circulatory and with the right meds he will improve.. Vascular dementia is like a blockage to the brain via the blood vessles..This very common dont give up on him ..xx

NINDS-AIREN criteria for the clinical diagnosis of PROBABLE vascular dementia (VaD)[6] - as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)[7]

Presence of dementia - cognitive decline from higher level of functioning. This can be demonstrated as memory loss plus impairment in two or more different cognitive domains (see 'Diagnosis', below). This should be established by clinical examination and neuropsychological testing. Deficits should be severe enough to interfere with activities of daily living - not secondary effects of the cerebrovascular event alone.

Cerebrovascular disease, defined by the presence of signs on neurological examination and/or by brain imaging.

A relationship between the above two disorders inferred by:

Onset of dementia within three months following a recognised stroke.

An abrupt deterioration in cognitive functions.

Fluctuating, stepwise progression of cognitive deficits.

Oh dear, this sounds just like my Dad.  We took him in a radio and books and he just wanted to sit in bed.  The staff did get him up and encourage him to be as mobile as possible, but not always successfully.  Sadly, depression is often part of vascular dementia (we were told), so I would continue as you are - encourage him as much as you can to do a few things.  We used to take in Reader's Digest magazine as there are short interesting articles, which don't need a lot of concentration.  I would also speak to his doctor about assessing whether he is clinically depressed and whether anything can be done.  One thing which did work with my Dad (and may or may not be allowed in your Dad's Nursing Home) was to take him in a couple of cans of Guinness (his favourite tipple).  He didn't seem interested when we were there, but we were told he did drink it afterwards and would ask for it with his lunch.  I also think, with hindsight, that it's understandable to opt out of things which were previously enjoyed.  I didn't think that at the time, but if you're anything like we were, you're reeling as well.  Take care of yourself and keep trying things - just do them, don't ask first - would be my suggestions.  Good luck and apologies for going on for so long!

Hello Sharon

Glad I helped.  Your Dad does sound a lot like mine - even the bad language.  That was why it took a long while (and was after my Mum was sectioned with Dementia - a horrible experience) and he was on his own, that it was clear there was something apart from his usual behaviour.  It's all behind us now, however, as Dad died in May 2013 and Mum died in January this year.  Her dementia took a very different form than Dad's did and she was putting herself and others at risk, so we very very reluctantly had to agree to her being sectioned. Luckily we eventually found a wonderful Nursing Home for her (apart from Dad) and one which suited Dad's needs, with staff who cared but could be firm when necessary.  That's how they managed to get him up and into a chair.  However, even that tailed off and his last few months were in bed.  Have they got your Dad on an air mattress?  Both my parents had one - not sure how they work, they're electric and it's a very strange sensation because you can hear and feel the air going in and out.  Neither off them had bedsores in their Nursing Homes though, so they must be good.  As I say, we are through it all now, sad, but less traumatic.  I really hope it all works out for you, your family and your Dad, but please offload to me (or anyone else) if you need to.  Hugs.