In the Home with George are several men as well as women. Two of the men are pretty big. One of these men was in the American navy and speaks with an American accent although he is actually a kiwi. He walks with a walker.
The other man does not have mobility problems. Previously he was a minister in an Anglican Church. He wanders around a lot saying 'Jesus loves you' over and over. Unfortunately he tends to bother women and will often hit them.
Two days ago I saw the navy man had a black eye. I asked him if he had had a fall. He told me no he had been in a fight and I should see the other guy who is now in hospital!
Apparently the minister was hitting a woman. The navy man went over and told him not to hit a woman. The minister turned around and faced up to the navy man. They then got into a fight.
Result: navy man - one black eye, minister - fell and broke his hip.
It is very difficult for caregivers to cope with this sort of happening especially when there may only be one of them on duty.
Thank goodness George was not there. He is not used to aggressive behaviour and would have been shocked had he been there.
by the last year that i father was in the alzheimer's facility he had gotten to the violent stage. according to his caregiver, the 'home' kept him sedated and strapped down 24/7.
ReplyDeletethank you for your awesome blog. {{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}
Thank you so much Annie. I am really opposed to medicating them. Caregivers need to provide the care and support so that these situations don't arise. I am so sorry to hear about your father. Thank you so much for your thoughts.
DeleteThis behaviour has nothing whatsoever to do with aging or dementia. It happens all the time everywhere in all kinds of situations outside of "care" facilities.
ReplyDeleteIt has everything to do with close quarters, mismanagement, lack of engaging activity, prescribed boredom, too few caregivers for the number of residents, poor training and poor care.
Yes, just lucky George wasn't there. But I place the blame for the injuries on the facility and lack of care, not on the residents.
You are right Susan, Professional Development is so important for all caregivers. There needs to be enough caregivers on duty at any given time to deal with and situation. Thank you so much for your thoughts.
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