I work with Elderly patients everyday,and this is a very common thing.
It really sounds like depression has set in with her. I understand your frustration as a family going back and forth to the Er ect. But, at some point she is 83 years old,and she is crying out. It is really sad.
Also, if your husband is not willing to confront her,then at some point you just are going to have to stand back,and let the family take care of it.
If you want to do more,then talk to the family about
confronting her doctor,Xanax is a very harsh med,and I am sure it does make her groggy,and therefore it is just going to make her depression worse.
She might be seeing her life flashing by,she might be afraid of getting old,and not doing the things that she wants to do.
Encouraging her to join the family on trips, or trying to figure out what makes her happy.
We have a patient that is 102 years old,she refuses to let her age hold her back,so she goes dancing once a week. We also have one that promised her husband that she would live life no matter how old she was,and she goes on a trip at least every other month.
I am sure she has many interests,and once the family tries to figure out what those are,and then by her getting on a med that actually helps her instead of drugging her up, then I would think she would feel alot better.
Depression is harsh,and I think it is worse for our older family members.
Good luck,and please keep us updated.
Shy
Mod- Depression
Chronic Depression, Panic Attacks,Anxiety Attacks,Anorexia
Please remember,I am not a professional..I am just a person who is also fighting depression.
I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.
Post Edited (ShynSassy) : 5/14/2008 6:04:19 AM (GMT-6)