No one wants to believe it happens but it does, but to witness it is shocking. Please read my true account.
Bad morning at the office.
I wrote this in 2012 and it still shocks me today. I decided to share it again as a reminder to us all that this does happen and it is unacceptable.
I arrived at my first client this morning. Once a vibrant and outgoing sociable person this individual has become more and more reclusive and withdrawn over the years. The loss of close family members and pets have hastened this decline and it is tragic to see.
Firstly the door was locked, usually it is left open for me and so I rang the bell- no answer. I telephoned and the individual came and let me in. I instantly knew something was wrong, their voice was different and they looked terrible. After a near collapse I took this person back to bed where I knew they would be safe and not fall. A cup of tea and the morning medication was provided and I decided to call the relations who keep an eye on her.
Keep and eye is a better definition – care would not be the word I would use. The recipient of my phone call was more interested in me putting out the bin so they could put their rubbish in as theirs was full !!!
Reluctantly the visitor arrived and the conversation was totally about the hassle and inconvenience caused by the poor elderly person laying in the bed upstairs,
When, eventually the family member did go upstairs the only “care” shown was to throw a large heavy duvet on them and say SHUT UP!!
Is this any way to treat an elderly, weak, vulnerable family member ?
Luckily the Doctor and Social worker were calling today too, but with the local cottage hospital full and the nursing homes I wonder what the outcome will be. Another week of not eating well, taking medication erratically and not maintaining personal hygiene. Sometimes, I think, getting old and being alone is worse than being dead for some.
