Case Studies

Merrill Hills Manor Alzheimer's/ Memory Care and Assisted Living invites you to learn more about the new standard of senior care we offer through our wellness programs by reading our clinical case studies and reviewing our clinical quarterly results.

Case Study #MH-101

I reviewed one of patient’s records from his hospitalization prior to his placement at Merrill Hills Manor. This patient was new to Merrill Hills Manor in August of 2010.

This was a 70 Year old gentleman that had a diagnosis of Dementia. He was admitted to the hospital after his family reported new impulsive and erratic behaviors in the past week. The patient was put on Depakote, Risperdal and Lorazepam as needed. The patient was then discharged to a skilled nursing facility. After a short stay at the nursing home, the patient was sent back to the hospital for behavioral issues. He had become agitated and combative with other residents at the nursing home and it was decided that the nursing home could not meet his needs. Haldol was then added to his list of as needed medications.

He was then transferred to Merrill Hills Manor. Upon his admission to Merrill Hills, he did not want to stay and did not understand why he was not allowed to go home. The first morning after his admission, he got up and began to clean the floors in the community and weed the potted plants. This continued on the next day and the next. He verbalized understanding of his placement for a short term stay. During his stay at Merrill Hills Manor, he did not display any inappropriate, agitated, or combative behaviors. He became an active part of the community. He attended all activities, assisted other residents, helped in the maintenance department, walked the visiting dog, attended outings, all without any issues.

During my first visit with him in August, I discontinued his Haldol and added a scheduled dose of Lorazepam. In September I made some adjustments to his Depakote and discontinued his scheduled Lorazepam. In October during my visit with him, I decided to start decreasing his Risperdal dose because the staff reported no behavioral issues. In November the good reports continued and I decided to discontinue the as needed Lorazepam and continue to decrease the Risperdal. In December I was able to discontinue the Risperdal all together. Since he had done so well over the past four months, his wife decided she was able to care for him from home. He moved home on December 23, just in time for Christmas.

Thank you to all the staff at Merrill Hills Manor that cared for him. He had marked improvement in his behaviors. He went from being very agitated, impulsive and combative, back to the kind, gentle man he truly is. His family is very appreciative of the care he received while at Merrill Hills Manor.

Sincerely,

Medical Director
Merrill Hills Manor