Restlessness
My partner has PSP and becomes very restless several times a day. I have to be with him or else he can slip off the chair. Is this normal for PSP? Any advice? I can only think of a seat belt! The chair will soon be replaced and that should make a difference, I hope
Hi maggiegordon, so sorry to hear about your partner's problems. I can tell you that my dad regularly shifts, slouches to the left, and tries to get up off his chair, all these can result in slips off the chair and falls and I'm afraid I haven't found anything to stop him, it's just been a case of managing it with cushions and adjusting his riser/recline chair helps a bit.
Other than that, not having things which he could slip and hurt himself on by the chair might be a good idea.
I hope you can find something that works for you!
Dear Maggie
My hubby used to get very restless and we found fidget toys helped keep him calm and a little less impulsive/restless .
My hubby’s restlessness also increased when he had any pain/discomfort or was constipated.
Love Tippy
Dad is exactly the same. Constantly wanting to get up and down of the chair and bed. Has had multiple falls doing this. I don’t have any advice to overcome this behaviour unfortunately.
Hi maggiegordon!
Sometimes, in ages over 65 years, the case of a UTI can NOT have fever as a symptom but the patient manifests discomfort, restlessness and even disorientation. Therefore it is advisable to regularly monitor the smell and color of the urine, applying a Combur-10-test strip control at the slightest suspicion. It is critical that the infection does not reach the kidneys. In case of suspicion go to the physician as soon as possible. Testing for an “antiobiogram” is important to get the right antibiotic.
Hoping to be useful.
Hug and luck.
Luis
Hi again!
Discarded UTI problems the symptoms of restlees may be due to a natural resistance of the patient to avoid being immobilized, losing his freedom and being dependent on other people to satisfy his needs. It may be time to consult with the physician and see if it is appropriate to prescribe a tranquilizer.
Hug and luck.
Luis
I know how he feels . I get so uncomfortable most of the time that I drive my husband mad with my fidgeting. The chair used to be ok but waiting O/T to advise on a riser/recliner. It won’t solve the problem but might make things easier to cope with.
I have dreadful restlessness with my dead side ( left side ) there are times I’m
In tears as I’m tired and just want to relax . Clozapham helped a good bit and have had to have the dose doubled
Mine is also my left side . Soo tired I have resorted to sleeping pills . Having nurse visit in a fortnight. Will mention clozapham to her.
When I could I would tighten the limb and hold for 20 seconds and then relax it , that worked but now I can’t do that .. if you still can try that also 🙏
If there is a pattern to a particular time of day when he is restless you could try doing an activity at that time. My Mum was most restless in the afternoon & I found if I took her out in the fresh air for an hour in her wheelchair she got absorbed in her surroundings & ot seemed to pass. Then when we got back, she was too tired to fidget much. It seemed to work pretty well but nothing is 100%.
My wife has PSP and is also restless. I bought a lift chair and that helps a bit as it is heavy and won't fall over when she sits down off-balance. She doesn't like you to lift the chair though when she is sitting in it. Probably is affecting her sense of balance? Yesterday, she was sitting on the toilet and I went to the kitchen for a minute and told her to sit there for a few seconds. Next thing I know is that she is on the floor bleeding and off to the emergency room. She ended up with a fractured back along with other things. I think the restlessness can not be helped. Probably requires increased supervision which at times is difficult to provide. Sorry for the non-help.
This is exactly our experience. I really don't think it can be helped with some people with PSP, they're going to try to stand and walk and it doesn't matter that they understand that they'll fall or whether you've just asked them to try stay seated.
I don't think you've been no help, I think it helps just to know others have the same experience.
Hi oilman1!
I can imagine how you feels. I believe that all caregivers have gone through similar very hard episodes. There are times when you want to get to everything that requires attention and the accident happens.
I offer you a phrase from Heady, a caregiver from our chat:
"Never forget to get plenty of rest, ask for help and most of all, ditch the guilt!"
A big hug and courage.
Luis
This is very common, speak to social services or an OT, they can order an alarmed pad to go on the chair seat that signals when a person is attempting to get out of a chair - which then emits a noise to get your attention. I’m afraid slips and falls are par for the course with PSP. Raise this your GP or OT for a referral/risk assessment.
I think it's quite easy for them to move from the chair and potentially have a fall. I hope you find something that helps and a better seat with tilt etc might be of help
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