A Week in the Life of a Geriatric Care Manager in Bergan County, NJ

This week I was caught off guard. On Monday morning, I received a call from a care giver that one of my clients, who has dementia, became more confused, agitated and even violent. It was frightening for the aide who has been a main source of support for Mrs. B for months.

When I was informed of the outburst, I went to the home of Mrs. B. She was more confused than usual, but calmer. I spent time with her and her care givers. After talking with Mrs. B and reorienting her, I asked her about anything physical that had changed. That is when I learned she had a stomach virus!

I called her primary care physician and told him about the increase in confusion and the GI upset. He explained that even the slightest upset in the body of someone with Alzheimer’s dementia can increase their level of confusion. He was right! After a day of increased fluids, pepto bismol and rest. Mrs. B was back to baseline. I was amazed at her quick recovery!