The voice of validation is being amplified by individual advocates around the world. Here is another example of those who are willing to speak frankly about the systemic neglect and abuse that takes place in countless long-term care facilities.
After Michael Krauthamer (consultant, speaker, advocate and author of “Walking In Their Shoes: Communicating with Loved Ones Who Have Alzheimer’s disease”), read take off the blindfolds and #BanBPSD: an open letter to the worldwide dementia community, he reached out to me on LinkedIn and wrote:
“I am so very sorry about what happened to your mother. Your article and video is heart breaking. Since beginning work in healthcare facilities, I have fought to reduce then stop antipsychotic medications that are handed out like candy to PLWD. I have witnessed too many people placed on these medications because facilities do not want to pay for one more employee. I can always tell when someone is overmedicated. Working with the staff, I have seen remarkable changes when the antipsychotics are ended. Although I realize it’s cheaper for the facilities, it ruins the patients quality of life.
Hiring one more Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Personal Support Worker (PSW) provides the proper amount of staff so that they do not need to use these detrimental alternatives. I stand beside you 100% to help stop the abuse that happens to PLWD, who are prescribed these medications. Once again, thank-you for sharing.”
You said it Michael, and you are so right. #FightTheGoodFight #WeCanCareBetter
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“you said it!” is a place to discover informed comments, inspiring thoughts, short stories, good ideas, provocative opinions, quotable quotes and noteworthy snippets from across my worldwide network.
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My Alzheimer's Story 
Yes, one more caregiver could help. What I have observed in many homes, the caregivers they do have (not all) but many are on their phones, talking at the desk, in whole just not paying attention to the residents. Teeth are not brushed, Mother’s teeth actually rotted out. She was unable to drink without someone offering her water. My mother (Parkinson’s, just unable to speak & feed or care for herself, very little dementia at that time) was spoon fed with many persons not even LOOKING at her as they pushed the spoon towards her face. Needless to say, her clothing had food spilled, this place felt it undignified to use adult clothing covers.. so food slopped all over the clothing is more dignified. Imagine her horror in her “right” mind, being treated less than many animals. It is a shame the jobs are not held in more high esteem as the caregivers are the most important key.
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