My Dad has started hitting (i.e. punching, slapping) other residents and members of staff at his care home. He has had 3 outbursts in 6 weeks that I am aware of, possibly more. I am finding this REALLY distressing, although my sister and husband seem to be taking it all in their stride, as are the staff, so much so that we only know about the problem by chance. I have spoken to the Deputy Manager who has assured me they are managing the situation and that we shouldn’t worry. I am somewhat concerned that each member of staff I have spoken to only seems aware of incidents that they have actually witnessed, i.e. they are not 'joining up the dots'. I did point this out to the Deputy Manager so hopefully they are now aware that a trend is developing.
I know that such behavioural problems are not uncommon with Alzheimer’s (I’ve read the fact sheet) but I still can’t stop worrying about it. Dad is much bigger, stronger and more able bodied than all the other residents and I am concerned for their welfare in case he really lets rip one day. And what would happen if a relative decided to press charges? I feel so full of remorse, I want to apologise and make amends on his behalf but how can I when this is not an isolated incident. Where is this going to lead, are his outbursts likely to increase in frequency and severity? If they do what can be done to manage the situation and what happens if it can’t be managed, will the home evict him? I offered to go in and meet with the staff to discuss matters but was assured that it isn’t necessary, at least not yet, so I am without answers at the moment. I could call back but I really hate communicating by telephone and usually end up feeling less reassured than when I started in such situations.
If anyone has been here already I’d like to hear from you, if only to know I’m not alone in this, it’s so frightening.
Thanks
Tubbie
I know that such behavioural problems are not uncommon with Alzheimer’s (I’ve read the fact sheet) but I still can’t stop worrying about it. Dad is much bigger, stronger and more able bodied than all the other residents and I am concerned for their welfare in case he really lets rip one day. And what would happen if a relative decided to press charges? I feel so full of remorse, I want to apologise and make amends on his behalf but how can I when this is not an isolated incident. Where is this going to lead, are his outbursts likely to increase in frequency and severity? If they do what can be done to manage the situation and what happens if it can’t be managed, will the home evict him? I offered to go in and meet with the staff to discuss matters but was assured that it isn’t necessary, at least not yet, so I am without answers at the moment. I could call back but I really hate communicating by telephone and usually end up feeling less reassured than when I started in such situations.
If anyone has been here already I’d like to hear from you, if only to know I’m not alone in this, it’s so frightening.
Thanks
Tubbie
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