Dementia in the ER: Mama Needed Stitches… and Refused to Cooperate!

I was at a doctor’s appointment when I got that call—Mama was headed to the emergency room in an ambulance after cutting her hand at the memory care facility. By the time I arrived, she was already giving the medical staff a hard time—being her sassy, stubborn self and refusing to listen to anyone. 🤦🏽‍♀️ Watching her was like watching a toddler. This is dementia. This is what it's really like. Mama had to get stitches that were supposed to stay in for 10 days—but within hours, she had pulled every single one out. We chose not to sedate or restrain her, and the hospital suggest no sedation, as well. Here’s why: sedation can be risky for older adults with cognitive decline. We try our best to honor her comfort, safety, and dignity—even when it’s hard. This is just one of the many unpredictable, emotional, and exhausting parts of caring for someone with dementia. We share these moments not for pity—but for awareness. So others can see the real, raw truth of this journey and be prepared if they should ever have to go through it. 💜 Thank you for walking with us. Drop a comment if you’ve ever had to navigate a medical emergency with your loved one who lives with dementia. Let’s keep the conversation going. #DementiaCare #EmergencyRoomVisit #DementiaAwareness #CaregiverLife #MemoryCareMatters #ElderCareReality #SeniorHealth #StubbornWithDementia #BlackCaregivers #AlzheimersJourney #MamaAndMe #UnfilteredCaregiving #FortifiedByLove