My mother is an alzheimer patient in the nursing facility I work. She also suffers hearing loss. She has been more difficult to wake since the hearing loss and the nursing staff has allowed her to sleep up to 3pm. on more than one occassion. Staff has stated she refuses to get up and even that she has become combative when they have attempted to wake her. They do not have any special way to communicate with her. I feel allowing her to sleep so late in unacceptable. I write notes to her on a pad. Staff does not. My mother is sleeping her life away - she is set up for tubes next week- any ideas on this, how can I convince the staff that interventions should be defined to compensate for her hearing loss?

T. You may want to look into nursing facilities that specsialize in Alz patients. They understand their needs more than the average nursing home. you may want to speak to the NH administrators for better help.

Oh my goodness, I have so many comments about this situation. First, what you could consider is going to your state's ombudsmen program. Those programs are designed to help residents in nursing homes to be sure they get the services they need and to be an advocate for the resident and their family.

One of the reasons your mom is combative is the way the caregivers are trying to wake her up. Imagine if you were awakened by someone who looks as if they are yelling or are in your face and look mad. It sounds like the staff could use some training about residents with hearing and vision loss. Talk to the supervisor (or have the ombudsman recommend it).

Take care of yourself,

Beth