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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Alzheimer's / February 2007

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dementia and hospitals

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RK - 11 Feb 2007 10:26 GMT
My mother passed away this week. She has had dementia for at least 10 years
(among other diagnosis like KOL, occasional, acute blood loss, some of the
symptoms probably caused by smoking from a young age). She has had good days
up till now. What worries me is that me and my sister have had the feeling
that if we didn't follow mother closely she wouldnt get the right or any
treatment at all. We were simply afraid that because of her dementia she
wouldn't get the treatment to survive her KOL, bad heart etc. Years ago we
were asked if it wasn't better to stop the treatment. We had a clear feeling
that if we looked away mother would be "helped" away. It's a real bad
feeling to leave the hospital with. Who can decide which life is worth
fighting for and which is not? Can anyone relate?
Dennis P. Harris - 12 Feb 2007 22:38 GMT
> We were simply afraid that because of her dementia she
> wouldn't get the treatment to survive her KOL, bad heart etc. Years ago we
> were asked if it wasn't better to stop the treatment. We had a clear feeling
> that if we looked away mother would be "helped" away. It's a real bad
> feeling to leave the hospital with. Who can decide which life is worth
> fighting for and which is not? Can anyone relate?

yes.  as someone who has been on that journey, and who
fortunately had a mother with the good sense to sign a living
will saying that she didn't want any life prolonging measures,
i'll be extremely blunt.  her death was a mercy for her and for
her family.

extending the life of a person with a severe dementia is not kind
or helpful.  why would anyone want to extend the life of someone
who is confused, frightened, and unable to cope?  it's simply
cruel to extend the life of someone who has no hope of recovery.

were you keeping her alive for you, or for her?  sometimes you
simply have to recognize that all things end and let your loved
one go.  

sometimes the grief of dealing with a dying person takes over
one's life, and you can't let go.  if so, you need to call your
local hospice and ask about grief counseling.  most hospices
offer it, and it's usually available for or at a nominal charge
based on your income.
Evelyn Ruut - 12 Feb 2007 23:03 GMT
>> We were simply afraid that because of her dementia she
>> wouldn't get the treatment to survive her KOL, bad heart etc. Years ago
[quoted text clipped - 25 lines]
> offer it, and it's usually available for or at a nominal charge
> based on your income.

Hi Dennis,

Yes, that can definitely be.   I think we may have seen a case of that here
just recently.

Nothing wrong with being angry with the rotten illness, but blaming others
who are trying to be helpful doesn't fix anything.

You always make such good sense Dennis.   Hope all is well with you!
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Best Regards,

Evelyn Ruut

 
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