True anxiety and dementia??

[motherof3sons]

We have a resident who has been with us a month and she is having a hard time. She has severe anxiety when left on her own(was this way prior to admit). She seeks out staff, other residents, visitors and anyone to stay with her(even in the hallways, dining room, activities). She is very fearful of being left alone and grabs/holds onto you and begs you not to leave her(when pushing her wheelchair or moving her or putting her to bed).

We don't have 1:1 but us RN's will bring her in the office while doing charting....but don't get much done as she is always talking:yes: and we have tried everything....redirecting, folding laundry, walking, blowing bubbles, books on tape ect. We have given Ativan but it helps just a little.

It is heart wrenching to hear her.....begging you not to leave but we just have to sometimes.

Our facility MD is aware and doesn't want to start other meds as she isn't a harm to herself or others. But she is miserable.....

what are some other things to help?

[litbitblack, ASN, RN]

I wish prescribers would treatment the patients feelings. Anxiety is a scary thing. Why shouldn't your resident have some peace? Ativan does not always work with dementia. Sometime a mood stabilizer (low dose) or even an antidepressant that will treat anxiety is more effective.

[motherof3sons]

That is what I was thinking.....I am hoping that continued conversations with our MD will result in a change.

[VANurse2010]

Does your facility have a psychiatrist who consults? Do they have a psych consult PRN built into their LTC admission orders? I'd talk to your unit manager (or even your DON) about getting this resident a psych consult. They can probably spur more action on the part of the house physician.