I have just read Bob De Marco's blog and agree with his experience as he says;
"A popular myth is that urinary tract infections burn and because of this a person who is deeply forgetful can tell you they have a UTI. This is not true." E Coli Bacteria Yes, there is such a thing as a silent urinary tract infection. Silent means no clear cut sign of physical pain, no burning sensation, and no discernible odor", By Bob De Marco [alzheimersreadingroom.com].
My experience with looking after Mother has been to be aware of signs of 'excess disability' which in my understanding is a deterioration or change in behavior not usual for the person, often sudden change/deterioration. Since being aware of 'excess disability' I have been aware that environmental as well as physical issues can contribute to excess disability. Mother has had urinary infection that showed by frequency or mild back-ache. I use a urine dip-stick that Mother's G.P. supplied, and it has confirmed the UTI. Treating it required a double length of time as Bob experienced with his mother also.
Mother also had frequent sinus symptoms, complaining often about her forehead hurting. It was treated with an antibiotic eye ointment wiped just inside the edge of her nostrils to be absorbed through her mucous membranes. Her Dr advised this method as she was very sensitive to medication and the eye ointment was mild enough to avoid side-effects. It worked well and I now only use it if Mother complains of the sinus pain symptoms she had before.
I use also preventatives, for example, 'Karvol' inhalation capsules (suitable for babies), which I cut the top off and apply the oil to Mother's night wear near the neck-line. She loves the soothing smell of the menthol, pine oil, pine needle oil type mixture. Another is 'winter-wellness' which is an immune boosting oral preparation of blackcurrant and manuka honey syrup. Mother also loves a little shot of Manuka honey, Lemon juice and ginger preparation in a mug of hot water to ward off the bugs so prevalent during change of seasons http://shott.co.nz/. So far it has managed to ward off sore throats and snuffles effectively. Mother regularly drinks cranberry juice and I add dehydrated Cranberries to a grated cheese and crated carrot salad I make.
Environment factors can include persons having expectations beyond Mother's capabilities, i.e feeling rushed by support-carers who become focused on getting out as fast as they can due to Agency pressure to increase their work-load when short staffed. Persons who expect Mother to remember something or not recognising when she is struggling to express needs e.g. for the name of something lost or needed. Mother's time disorientation is often lost on family who are not up-to-date with events. This can lead to conflicting messages, particularly when I'm left out of the loop. Mother's vunerabilities need watching over and Mother needs advocating for and protecting.
