Yet ANOTHER fall, and in hospital and poorly

[Scarlett123]

Had a call yesterday evening that John had fallen and he's been in hospital ever since. I am past patiently explaining to staff that he doesn't understand when they continuously ask questions, and have now raised my voice several decibels.

The xray they gave him 2 hours after admission, when they told me all was fine, was, I found out today, on his chest - not on the hip where he fell. I asked if it was standard practice for a elderly man with advanced Alzheimer's to be waiting 18 hours, after his fall, to be xrayed for signs of damage.

I had to plead for a drip, help the doctor put the canula in, cos the nurse couldn't do it, and also help 3 nurses, by making up the fourth position, to get him onto the board, as a nurse who was asked refused to help.

Having a couple of hours off and then back to A & E, where he is still waiting for a bed. Love and prayers to all. xxx

 

[thebes]

So so sorry to hear of this. Will be thinking of you and hoping for a quick and huge improvement in the treatment he is getting. You must be exhausted as well as very worried, do look after yourself too while you are looking after his needs so well. Big hugs.

 

[Izzy]

Oh Scarlett. Poor John. Poor you. You must be at your wits' end. I have to admit my jaw dropped when I read that a nurse refused to help.

Like everyone else I will be thinking of you tonight. x

 

[pony-mad]

Sending love hugs and patience by the bucketful. Alternatively raise your voice; stamp your feet; scream like a Banshee if it helps xxx


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[truth24]

Just catching up and am so sorry to hear that John has had yet another fall. When are hospital staff going to be trained in helping patients with dementia? It's seems as though they come way down the list for treatment as though it's not worth the hassle. Can you complain to someone regarding his treatment, particularly the nurse who wouldn't help? Oh Scarlett, what a horrible time you are both having. Can only offer loving thoughts but wish I could do more. Verityxx

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[LYN T]

Oh Scarlett-thank goodness John has you on his side. Can you ask to see the Ward Manager and explain your concerns? This is terrible for both of you. It's never ending isn't it?

Love from

Lyn T XXXX

 

[Scarlett123]

John's position was explained to:

(1) The Ward Manager

(2) The Doctor

(3) Various nurses

(4) The Matron

(5) The Administrations clerk who circulates with questionnaires for happy patients to complete

(6) The Consultant

(7) Anyone who possessed at least one ear

When I left I was told he'd be moved to the Elderly Admissions Unit, where there are more staff per patient, and where they have specialist knowledge of patients with dementia, whatever their reason for being in hospital. And me, Idiot of the Year, believed this.

I have just had a call to say John has been moved from A & E to MAU. I asked if this stood for Medical Assessment Unit. I was told it did. I said he was supposed to be sent to EAU. I was told there wasn't a bed.

I'm on my way to the hospital now, my spirits are at rock bottom, and I fear for not only my lad, but all the other lads, especially those with nobody to fight their corner.

 

[2jays]

Oh my. Words fail me. Just know I'm thinking of you xx


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[bemused1]

Unbelievable. Buckle on the armour Scarlett and let them have it

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[LadyA]

Why did they x-ray his chest? Did he fall on his chest?

Feel so much for you. xx

 

[Izzy]

Oh Scarlett I know you will want to and will have to fight at a time when you should be focused on your poor boy. I wish you all the strength in the world. Thank goodness John does have you fighting for him. x

 

[Spamar]

...as a nurse who was asked refused to help ....... What the blazes was that all about??? Words fail me, well, words that I can repeat on here.
Oh Scarlet, I am finding it difficult to believe all this can happen to one person. And yet, my own lad having had 2 sessions in hospital earlier this year, I can believe it, all too well.
When will our hospitals get a grip? I reckon 1.5 to 2% of the general population suffer from this disease! yet still they don't know/ don't want to know.

Sending yet more (((((hugs))))), it's all I can do. Thinking of you and John.

 

[Moonflower]

Why did a nurse refuse to help? Makes no sense. Surely it's her job?
If you have the strength, make notes, dates, times, names ready for a mega complaint

 

[LadyA]

It's seems as though they come way down the list for treatment as though it's not worth the hassle.

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This was one of the things I let fly at our Health Minister about - the way that people with Dementia and the disabled are left without funding, without treatment and without support because, it seems, they are regarded as "not economically viable". Because another Minister had come straight out and said that "every euro spent on children - that's where you'll get the best return".
There was a lot of political scrambling to reassure me that of course that wasn't how Government regarded people with dementia, and of course that wasn't what the other Minister had meant! Pah!

 

[truth24]

Think a letter to a newspaper/MP might provide some bad publicity for the hospital which might prompt some improvements.xx

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[halojones]

Absolutely terrible for you both Scarlett...I do hope you find John in a better place soon...thinking of you xxx

 

[Gigglemore]

"I fear for not only my lad, but all the other lads, especially those with nobody to fight their corner" Sadly, how true.

Did the hip x-ray show any fracture? It sounds like the best thing for you both is for him to get safely back to the care home as soon as possible. I do hope things improve for you soon and that the hospital staff get their act together.

 

[hokeycokey]

Hope things are easier tonight Scarlet x

 

[Scarlett123]

Why did they x-ray his chest? Did he fall on his chest?

Feel so much for you. xx

I have yet to find out why, and I haven't the energy left to pursue their reasons. Suffice to say, that had he not had myself, and my daughter (who blows hot and cold with me, but is great with her Dad) there for him, he'd have had no effective treatment, and nothing to eat.

For example, this morning when I went, John grabbed my arm, and was trying so hard to talk, and finally I deciphered the word "hungry". So I asked if he'd been given breakfast. Oh yes, I was told, but he didn't want it. I asked if he'd pushed the spoon away as he was being fed, and was aware that staff were looking at each other. Incidentally, he was moved to the Elderly Unit either late last night, or this morning, so these are supposed to be the dementia aware staff!

Obviously, they had not read the notes that stated he'd lost hand to mouth co-ordination, seen the untouched food still on the table, and removed it!! So I asked for some toast for him, and fed him piece by piece and he finished 2 slices quickly.

I left him sleeping, went outside and chain smoked 3 fags, then went back in and fed him again at lunchtime and tonight. I've just had 2 very large glasses of Bailey's, and I'm having a bath and an early night. Lots of love to all carers, and their loved ones, and thanks for all your kind wishes. xxx

 

[truth24]

Poor you, Scarlett. Hope things improve for John now you have had a word with the staff. Glad you enjoyed your Baileys. Loving thoughts as always. Verityxx

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