Listening to NPR and new stats of 1 in 5 United States citizens will be aged 65 and older very shortly.
Listen Up America. This generation is followed by another record breaking generation no one's mentioning -- the Baby Boomer's Children or Generation X.
And, with life expectations lengthening, we'll soon have a record breaking population of Seniors in the 65 to 95 age bracket.
What are we doing to increase the health and well being of our aging population?
Well, we're continuing to break them down with ageism and lack of accommodation.
Example: Daughter's in a class that includes a man in his 70's who is being "harassed" by a man in his 50's.
Both had to pass exceptional ability tests of all ages few survived including those in their twenties and early thirties.
Both "belong" by these standards and by their daily performance, but this man is already concerned there won't be enough "share of the pi" to go around, apparently.
Of course, the "younger" man cites the "older man" should "make way for the much younger generation" but the 50's something guy should be glad the 70 something man is there.
Replacing him with a 20 or 30 something individual would be statistically more detrimental to the 50 something man. Think about it -- younger, more years to work, better investment for a company, etc etc.
The 50's something man is typical of his age group and of our society as a whole.
He's reached the age of seeing the future and he doesn't like it. He's experienced the end of life as he knew it -- no longer employed.
By 40 something in most jobs, there's weeding of personnel. Those who are "chosen" get the opportunities and advancement, those who are "left behind" begin the weeding process that starts around this age and by 50 is in full swing.
Early retirement to forced retirement or even lay offs, discontinuation of a position (change of position with requirements known the individual cannot fulfill) and so many other ways to "cull and remove".
The 50's something guy is smart. He's realized he has to retrain and do it quickly in a field that needs so many more people than it has because he has a higher chance of getting a coveted job simply because of the scarcity.
He also knows he has to survive and survival means "attacking" or somehow overcoming any member of the species that seems "weaker" or "vulnerable".
He's found what he believes is an easy target and one he believes others will also select for "removal" or at least for "overlooking" in their own favors.
However, as with any other skill set or requirement, soon there will be an influx of "newbies" trained along the way from high school onward and needing a little extra "monitoring" but still workable and hireable.
Many are "taking courses" on line for the "new" world we've created. It's common knowledge in the computer coding community, for example, people are training and learning by themselves and therefore need less "help" and instruction.
Machines instructing could be replacing the vast collegiate market created with the Baby Boomer generation.
Already they're being used as the "main instructor" with previous lead instructors becoming mentors, advisors and providing clarification or assistance rather than being a main source of securing basic information and instruction.
Then what? With this advent of learning when and where you want, what will our economy look like in the future with less need for "classroom" instruction and those college degrees that cost so much and took so much time?
What will we do to control the influx of new talent and ability to maintain a balance within the 25+ age groups if we reduce the age of challenging others for space in the job market reduces from 20 something to 18+?
When we become a nation of data entry, data movers and data providers, isn't that moving the needle backwards to the time of having more jobs at lower pay because less education was needed? Or, at the very least, positions that are easier to fill and therefore have a higher turnover rate?
My opinion is the most affected segment of the population are those currently past 65 and the many more entering this age group daily and the Millennials who are behind the next generation of Seniors and in front of those who were "born into" the Computer Age and basically given internet access as a birthright and entitlement.
After all, schools have changed and society has changed -- computer access can be everywhere including at libraries and training starts early in the most current computer procedures, applications and configurations.
Yes, the 50 something man has the most challenging role to play in life as he sees it. But he's already in the Senior category and if he doesn't value that age group and their needs and rights now, he'll soon be experiencing first hand what he failed to recognize and take action to change.
Our society cannot succeed with so many NEW Seniors "put out to pasture" at an age that once was "acceptable" for "retirement" but now leaves the door of many more years of life for which to provide.
Seniors today can do just so much "socializing". Faced with many more years and skyrocketing medical and even basic costs of living including the cost of food, utilities, property taxes, transportation, the savings for many has been greatly affected by each decade's monetary crisis from the 1970's onward and from dynamically climbing costs of living.
Yes, there are and will continue to be a select number of people who are "well off" but those figures are swiftly declining as our economy shifts to placing even our younger members into the ranks of the unemployed while we adjust to the "new economy" and "new work world".
Jobs should not be allocated or designed to exclude or eliminate. All age groups are valuable assets.
Ageism is the new way we control economic adjustments we haven't been able to control with creating jobs that value and recognize differences and abilities.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Friday, March 13, 2015
Mobility and Other Signs of Dementia
Just found another website I want to pass on to you http://www.dementiaguide.com/
Lewy Body Dementia and other Dementias may be right in front of you.
It was for me. I saw them as "signs of aging".
We don't talk openly as a society about aging because we've provided so many stigmas about the process and the results.
Everywhere you look women and men are told to focus on their outward appearance. At work, they see the need to continually improve skillsets. There's never enough time in a day to achieve and to reach for what we're told we should want, need and have.
We're on a constant merry-go-round reaching for the gold ring.
It's not surprising we're oblivious to Dementia until it comes directly into our lives. Even then, it has to come into our "face" before we notice and many still don't reach out, try to manage and try to intercede.
Here are some signs of Dementia in process. They're not always there and they're not always a definite "signpost" but they should be seen as discussion points with your loved one and with a medical specialist.
They're from the website www.dementia.com
Lewy Body Dementia and other Dementias may be right in front of you.
It was for me. I saw them as "signs of aging".
We don't talk openly as a society about aging because we've provided so many stigmas about the process and the results.
Everywhere you look women and men are told to focus on their outward appearance. At work, they see the need to continually improve skillsets. There's never enough time in a day to achieve and to reach for what we're told we should want, need and have.
We're on a constant merry-go-round reaching for the gold ring.
It's not surprising we're oblivious to Dementia until it comes directly into our lives. Even then, it has to come into our "face" before we notice and many still don't reach out, try to manage and try to intercede.
Here are some signs of Dementia in process. They're not always there and they're not always a definite "signpost" but they should be seen as discussion points with your loved one and with a medical specialist.
They're from the website www.dementia.com
"Mobility |
Common Signs
Requires walking aid
(such as a cane or walker)
(such as a cane or walker)
Can walk
but only for limited distances
Requires a
wheelchair
Feels more
comfortable having one person standing nearby when walking or moving
Requires
one person's assistance when walking or moving
Needs
positioning in bed
Difficulty
getting up from low, deep or soft chairs
Has
developed pressure sores
Has
problems walking outside or on uneven surfaces
Hesitates
when going through doorways
Is afraid
to use the stairs
Mobility | General
Description
Most
dementias will at some point in their course, affect areas of the brain that
are responsible for movement and balance
. Usually, families will note that the person walks more slowly. After a while they will commonly describe the person's walking as being "uncoordinated". These aren't bad descriptions, but they are not what doctors say, because we tend to think about symptoms and signs of dementia
disease) in terms of which part of the brain is affected.
When it comes to problems with walking in dementia, unless it is due to a stroke
that gives rise to paralysis
, or other less common, specific, local causes, doctors tend to approach the problem by considering two types of problems. One has to do with slowing, and the other with how the brain integrates all the information that is needed for precise movement.
. Usually, families will note that the person walks more slowly. After a while they will commonly describe the person's walking as being "uncoordinated". These aren't bad descriptions, but they are not what doctors say, because we tend to think about symptoms and signs of dementia
disease) in terms of which part of the brain is affected.
When it comes to problems with walking in dementia, unless it is due to a stroke
that gives rise to paralysis
, or other less common, specific, local causes, doctors tend to approach the problem by considering two types of problems. One has to do with slowing, and the other with how the brain integrates all the information that is needed for precise movement.
The first
problem - slowing - typically is part of a syndrome called
"parkinsonism". The term is related to, but slightly different from Parkinson's disease
. Parkinson's disease affects movement in many ways, but traditionally these are grouped under four headings: tremor (a rhythmic form of shaking); slowness of movement (the fancy term is bradykinesia)
stiffness (the technical term that doctors use is rigidity; we use it to distinguish it from the stiffness seen with a stroke, which is called spaticity) and the tendency to fall (we call a fall a fall, but we call the tendency to fall postural instability).
problem for a person with dementia is slowing, as an aspect of parkinsonism. Other signs of parkinsonism that have to do with walking are that the steps shorten, the posture becomes stooped, the space between the feet (so-called "base of the gait
") narrows, and there is less arm swing. When the person turns, they no longer pivot on their heels, but instead turn in a series of short steps. During the turns, their balance can become unstable; they are especially likely to fall backwards. Another related problem is that the person can seem to freeze in place when they walk through a door frame.
The second type of problem overlaps a little with the first, and is commonly described by families as the person they care for being "uncoordinated". (The technical term that doctors use for this is "apraxia"; we use "uncoordinated to mean a problem with a structure at the back of the brain called the cerebellum. And of course, when we really start in on talking about incoordination, we quickly switch over to another term, called ataxia.
Even so, it makes me hesitate to use the term "incoordination" when what I mean is apraxia, not ataxia. What families typically see in the person who is having trouble walking that goes beyond simple slowing and parkinsonism is that the person with dementia first has problems starting to walk. The starting to walk (the technical term is "gait ignition" can be part of parkinsonism, or a sign of apraxia. Either way, sometimes 'sensory tricks' can help.
Very early in the course of apraxic walking in dementia, a cane or a walker can help. It is common to see a person go from a slow, cautious gait, to an almost normal walking pattern simply by taking up a cane. In fact, I have often seen the cane work when the person holds it in their hand, without the can actually touching the floor.
Later, however, a more common picture is the person with dementia requiring physical "hands on", such as touching by another person to start walking or to rise out of a chair. When the problem is first one of getting started, families often comment that the person they care for does not need anything more than a touch to get out of the chair, but can't seem to get out of the chair without it.
There are types of problems with starting walking (with gait ignition disorders) that respond to a variety of what is known by the trade as "sensory tricks". For example, vigorously stroking the leg that you want the person to start moving, or seeing if they can lift their feet up and down to march in place, or seeing if they can step over something to start - a line, or sometimes you can put one foot in front of theirs and ask them to step over it. Many people who have been in the armed services will respond to the command "quick march" spoken softly into their ear. Frustratingly, although some tricks often work, none of them work all the time.
It is also important to remember that people with dementia can have problems with walking that are not due to the dementia itself. Exhaustion can limit how far a person can walk, as can pain. Sometimes pain can reflect an unattended problem in foot care. Usually, a doctor or physiotherapist
can tell just by looking at how someone walks, whether the problem is neurological or due to pain, and if due to pain, whether it is a problem of the hip, the knee, or the ankle/foot.
. Parkinson's disease affects movement in many ways, but traditionally these are grouped under four headings: tremor (a rhythmic form of shaking); slowness of movement (the fancy term is bradykinesia)
stiffness (the technical term that doctors use is rigidity; we use it to distinguish it from the stiffness seen with a stroke, which is called spaticity) and the tendency to fall (we call a fall a fall, but we call the tendency to fall postural instability).
problem for a person with dementia is slowing, as an aspect of parkinsonism. Other signs of parkinsonism that have to do with walking are that the steps shorten, the posture becomes stooped, the space between the feet (so-called "base of the gait
") narrows, and there is less arm swing. When the person turns, they no longer pivot on their heels, but instead turn in a series of short steps. During the turns, their balance can become unstable; they are especially likely to fall backwards. Another related problem is that the person can seem to freeze in place when they walk through a door frame.
The second type of problem overlaps a little with the first, and is commonly described by families as the person they care for being "uncoordinated". (The technical term that doctors use for this is "apraxia"; we use "uncoordinated to mean a problem with a structure at the back of the brain called the cerebellum. And of course, when we really start in on talking about incoordination, we quickly switch over to another term, called ataxia.
Even so, it makes me hesitate to use the term "incoordination" when what I mean is apraxia, not ataxia. What families typically see in the person who is having trouble walking that goes beyond simple slowing and parkinsonism is that the person with dementia first has problems starting to walk. The starting to walk (the technical term is "gait ignition" can be part of parkinsonism, or a sign of apraxia. Either way, sometimes 'sensory tricks' can help.
Very early in the course of apraxic walking in dementia, a cane or a walker can help. It is common to see a person go from a slow, cautious gait, to an almost normal walking pattern simply by taking up a cane. In fact, I have often seen the cane work when the person holds it in their hand, without the can actually touching the floor.
Later, however, a more common picture is the person with dementia requiring physical "hands on", such as touching by another person to start walking or to rise out of a chair. When the problem is first one of getting started, families often comment that the person they care for does not need anything more than a touch to get out of the chair, but can't seem to get out of the chair without it.
There are types of problems with starting walking (with gait ignition disorders) that respond to a variety of what is known by the trade as "sensory tricks". For example, vigorously stroking the leg that you want the person to start moving, or seeing if they can lift their feet up and down to march in place, or seeing if they can step over something to start - a line, or sometimes you can put one foot in front of theirs and ask them to step over it. Many people who have been in the armed services will respond to the command "quick march" spoken softly into their ear. Frustratingly, although some tricks often work, none of them work all the time.
It is also important to remember that people with dementia can have problems with walking that are not due to the dementia itself. Exhaustion can limit how far a person can walk, as can pain. Sometimes pain can reflect an unattended problem in foot care. Usually, a doctor or physiotherapist
can tell just by looking at how someone walks, whether the problem is neurological or due to pain, and if due to pain, whether it is a problem of the hip, the knee, or the ankle/foot.
To sum up, common problems of mobility in a person with dementia
are:
Problem
|
Common Causes
|
|
Walks more slowly
|
Parkinsonism
|
|
Walks with a narrow base
|
Parkinsonism
|
|
Cannot start walking
|
Parkinsonism or apraxia
|
|
Cannot continue walking/ can only walk short distances
|
Exhaustion, pain or apraxia
|
|
Freezes in the door frame
|
A classic sign of parkinsonism
|
|
Walks with a limp
|
Pain in the hip, knee, ankle or foot; stroke
|
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list,
just to help summarize the points made above. An exhaustive list would have to
include, amongst other things, walking with a broad base, or with a
"scissors" gait, in which the knees come together but the feet are
apart, or various types of problems seen when the cerebellum is affected, or
disorders of walking that are accompanied by a lot of extra movements, just to
name a few. The point is that abnormalities of gait are generally explicate,
even if the explanation does not often give rise to treatment.
Treatment of mobility problems in dementia
For all the different types of problems, there are only just a few treatments. Sometimes a physiotherapist can help, especially if a walking aid
is going to be used for the first time. A physiotherapist can also help by showing exercises that can strengthen muscles, especially those around the hip, which help prevent falling. Many people with dementia can still learn to do simple repetitive exercises, and get some enjoyment from it. Physiotherapists who work with dementia patients commonly observe that as the person exercises more, they exercise better, and often seem more engaged. Families commonly notice this too.
It is controversial whether treatment for Parkinson's disease works for people who have parkinsonism in dementia. Some things are clear. If the parkinsonism is due to or made worse by medications (especially neuroleptic
or antipsychotic medications) these need to be used in the lowest possible doses, or even discontinued if that is possible. It is also clear that the motor parkinsonism of Parkinson's Disease Dementia should be treated.
In Parkinson's disease, some drugs work by lowering the amount of the brain chemical
) acetylcholine. These drugs must be avoided in people with dementia. Most drugs, however, work by increasing the amount of the brain chemical (neurotransmitter) dopamine
. If a dopamine preparation is to be used, this needs to be done with great care, as a side effect
can be hallucinations or delusions. This dilemma arises most often in Lewy Body dementia where the parkinsonism is most classically like Parkinson's Disease, but where hallucinations can be a very difficult problem.
Sometimes, in people with Alzheimer's disease
, mobility problems due to apraxia can improve by treatment with a cholinesterase inhibitor
(the first-line drugs for treating Alzheimer's disease). In the days when cholinesterase inhibitors were first being used, I saw this many times, because it was common to see people with moderate dementia who had never been treated. Now that treatment is so widespread, I see it less often. Where I now see it most is when patients who have been on one cholinesterase inhibitor are switched from that to another, or sometimes when memantine
is added.
For all the different types of problems, there are only just a few treatments. Sometimes a physiotherapist can help, especially if a walking aid
is going to be used for the first time. A physiotherapist can also help by showing exercises that can strengthen muscles, especially those around the hip, which help prevent falling. Many people with dementia can still learn to do simple repetitive exercises, and get some enjoyment from it. Physiotherapists who work with dementia patients commonly observe that as the person exercises more, they exercise better, and often seem more engaged. Families commonly notice this too.
It is controversial whether treatment for Parkinson's disease works for people who have parkinsonism in dementia. Some things are clear. If the parkinsonism is due to or made worse by medications (especially neuroleptic
or antipsychotic medications) these need to be used in the lowest possible doses, or even discontinued if that is possible. It is also clear that the motor parkinsonism of Parkinson's Disease Dementia should be treated.
In Parkinson's disease, some drugs work by lowering the amount of the brain chemical
) acetylcholine. These drugs must be avoided in people with dementia. Most drugs, however, work by increasing the amount of the brain chemical (neurotransmitter) dopamine
. If a dopamine preparation is to be used, this needs to be done with great care, as a side effect
can be hallucinations or delusions. This dilemma arises most often in Lewy Body dementia where the parkinsonism is most classically like Parkinson's Disease, but where hallucinations can be a very difficult problem.
Sometimes, in people with Alzheimer's disease
, mobility problems due to apraxia can improve by treatment with a cholinesterase inhibitor
(the first-line drugs for treating Alzheimer's disease). In the days when cholinesterase inhibitors were first being used, I saw this many times, because it was common to see people with moderate dementia who had never been treated. Now that treatment is so widespread, I see it less often. Where I now see it most is when patients who have been on one cholinesterase inhibitor are switched from that to another, or sometimes when memantine
is added.
When mobility impairment means the person can no longer walk
As the person you care for becomes more and more immobile, they might no longer be able to walk. Sometimes this comes on suddenly, after an acute incident
illness that has required the person to be in hospital. mobility can be lost quickly on that setting, and sometimes it is very difficult for rehabilitation to occur. Problems with mobility are a common reason for a person with dementia to be moved to a nursing home. Care for a person with dementia who is immobile enough to be bedfast is very difficult. Many other problems go with it, including constipation
and blood clots. Pneumonia
occurs more often. Pressure sores
can also be seen, and even tough larger pressure ulcers
present as failure of care, smaller ones can develop quickly and insidiously, especially in people whose circulation is poor.For most people with dementia, being bedfast signals the terminal phase. In that phase, it is appropriate to consider palliative
care.
Other notes on mobility impairment
Mobility impairment occurs more often in some types of dementia than in others. People with Frontotemporal dementia
can show rigidity of movement as the dementia progresses. It is characteristic of Lewy Body dementia, Parkinson's disease dementia, and a group of dementias associated with so-called "parkinson-plus" disorders, such as multiple systems atrophy
, progressive
supranuclear palsy and a related disorder called corticobasal degeneration
(CBD). Frontotemporal dementia sometimes is accompanied by Amyotrophic lateral Sclerous (ALS), so that immobility occurs early in the course of their illness.
As the person you care for becomes more and more immobile, they might no longer be able to walk. Sometimes this comes on suddenly, after an acute incident
illness that has required the person to be in hospital. mobility can be lost quickly on that setting, and sometimes it is very difficult for rehabilitation to occur. Problems with mobility are a common reason for a person with dementia to be moved to a nursing home. Care for a person with dementia who is immobile enough to be bedfast is very difficult. Many other problems go with it, including constipation
and blood clots. Pneumonia
occurs more often. Pressure sores
can also be seen, and even tough larger pressure ulcers
present as failure of care, smaller ones can develop quickly and insidiously, especially in people whose circulation is poor.For most people with dementia, being bedfast signals the terminal phase. In that phase, it is appropriate to consider palliative
care.
Other notes on mobility impairment
Mobility impairment occurs more often in some types of dementia than in others. People with Frontotemporal dementia
can show rigidity of movement as the dementia progresses. It is characteristic of Lewy Body dementia, Parkinson's disease dementia, and a group of dementias associated with so-called "parkinson-plus" disorders, such as multiple systems atrophy
, progressive
supranuclear palsy and a related disorder called corticobasal degeneration
(CBD). Frontotemporal dementia sometimes is accompanied by Amyotrophic lateral Sclerous (ALS), so that immobility occurs early in the course of their illness.
What's new with mobility and balance?
One of the most active areas of research amongst people who study how the brain controls movement is that sometimes mild parkinsonism - usually mild slowing - can be the very first sign that a dementia might be starting. Slow movement can preceed other signs for up to five years. The area is challenging however, because as people age, many slow down for a variety of reasons, and not everyone who is slow gets dementia. Even amongst people with parkinsonism, it only increases the risk. It does not mean that dementia is inevitable. The hope amongst people who are doing this research is that if it is an early sign of dementia, it can be treated in some way so that the dementia can be prevented. Several groups are actively engaged in this research worldwide. One respected researcher whose work can be looked at is Richard Camicioli at the University of Alberta."
Hope these notes help someone. Wish I'd had more guidance and more truly compassionate direction. Unfortunately, too few people are out there and not enough direction to show us the path and the way that will make our journey and our loved one's journey a little easier.
If you're journeying with someone who has Dementia of any kind please know that you are appreciated and valued even if the person can no longer realize what you are doing or believes what you are doing isn't helpful.Your care and concern are invaluable.
Know you are appreciated and know you are greatly valued.
One of the most active areas of research amongst people who study how the brain controls movement is that sometimes mild parkinsonism - usually mild slowing - can be the very first sign that a dementia might be starting. Slow movement can preceed other signs for up to five years. The area is challenging however, because as people age, many slow down for a variety of reasons, and not everyone who is slow gets dementia. Even amongst people with parkinsonism, it only increases the risk. It does not mean that dementia is inevitable. The hope amongst people who are doing this research is that if it is an early sign of dementia, it can be treated in some way so that the dementia can be prevented. Several groups are actively engaged in this research worldwide. One respected researcher whose work can be looked at is Richard Camicioli at the University of Alberta."
Hope these notes help someone. Wish I'd had more guidance and more truly compassionate direction. Unfortunately, too few people are out there and not enough direction to show us the path and the way that will make our journey and our loved one's journey a little easier.
If you're journeying with someone who has Dementia of any kind please know that you are appreciated and valued even if the person can no longer realize what you are doing or believes what you are doing isn't helpful.Your care and concern are invaluable.
Know you are appreciated and know you are greatly valued.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Live Long And Prosper: A Credo for The Aging and Aged Who Are Not "Leftovers"
There are many paid for services for those who can provide the ways and means.
For any who have endured life challenges that have used savings or savings have deteriorated due to job loss or other life events and for those who have had what little remains taken away through Undue Influence, their fate is set by the low to non existent standards and practices in place within our society.
These are the people who are society's "LEFTOVERS" -- the remains of what was valued, enjoyed, coveted and used.
Now, no longer needed or wanted, some form of disposal must be found. Currently we shelve. As our economy becomes more "needful" will we turn to other means to ensure those who "can do" will be provided for and those who cannot will not just be ill provided for or will be refused provision?
My Mom's life became controlled by "higher powers" when a false report was made to the Missouri Elder Abuse Hotline.
No notification given to me "the accused".
No investigation of me or my daughter, who were both care giving Mom and my husband/daughter's father.
No questioning my husband who was basically bed ridden with openings across his stomach draining out his fecal material and urine as to his well being.
Why didn't they work to remove him?
Or were they believing taking Mom "out of" the environment would make the challenges of care giving "less" and therefore "better".
Right. Now we had to split our time between the house and the Long Term Care Facility and overcome the challenges incurred by an Undue Influencer who was "in control".
Decisions thought to be "in her best interest" by someone who had no real idea who Mom was or had been and no idea or even information directly gathered from our family members.
This "government official" was "doing her job" thinking if a person, a "professional", a "medical" professional, reported abuse, it must certainly be so.
Why?
Does that diploma confer honesty and integrity?
Does that diploma cast aside or replace avarice and greed or a desire for self power?
This "government official" failed to do "her job" when she failed to be the monitor, the adversary for all, and especially when she failed to recognize the preponderance of evidence to the contrary of what was being said and done.
This "government official" entrusted with the health and well being of society as a whole through the Department of Health and Senior Services, was so ill informed and so poorly trained for her position that she walked into a hospital room with a critically ill Senior citizen where the very entry was closed and clearly posted "Gown and gloves required to enter" and put on neither as she brought in who knows what causing more pain and suffering and eventual death.
Since when does the government allow someone to steal?
To take openly and freely from our elderly?
When the person has "credentials", they're not thought of as thieves but rather "friends" and "protectors" of another's possessions. That's how our society entered into many financial crisis -- trust misplaced.
My Mom went from full Social Security to an "allowance" of $30 a month, a shared room and bathroom with a stranger, no ability for privacy and being told when, where and how she would live and would function.
A lifestyle she'd often seen, never wanted and made it very clear these were her wishes and for almost forty years,
through the good times and the challenges of increasing medical and psychological needs.
I made sure my Mom remained a part of the family she loved, she supported and she valued.
Until Undue Influence, in the form of a woman who worked to gain her trust and ours, who outwardly represented the epitomy of trust as a Registered Nurse,
someone who "took care" of the Elderly and, above all, who held positions of public visibility within our Church in one of the highest positions given of being a Lector,
could not resist the opportunity to control, to gain financially and to continue to ensure Mom, "the ball", was kept in play the way she wanted.
An avid tennis player who won significant awards in College and still competes on the amateur circuit, has found another game where she can excel well into her later years and beyond the high level of physical durability.
Lies and distortions of truth personally crafted by the woman who came into our family's life, a wolf in sheep's clothing, pretending to care -- as she has done with others and continues to do today. As she said when asked about the report to the Elder Abuse Hotline and the disappearance of money, "You can't prove it." She's right. For now.
Yet evidence shows the DHSS official actively participated in ensuring the removal of Mom's only remaining protection when she assisted with the removal of the POA that had been in place albeit not used and held for "the time" when Mom could not make decisions for herself.
The DHSS official did not go through the courts, did not seek medical evaluation, instead she acted without fact, without evidence and without knowledge of Dementia, especially Lewy Body Dementia and embraced and valued someone with an agenda using Undue Influence.
A POA trust given and a trust accepted knowing the full responsibility of enacting that trust.
A trust removed without ensuring the safety and well being of a community of Seniors, one man and two women, and a younger citizen of the State of Missouri, for whom this "representative" worked and pledged to protect and serve.
Why? With what evidence?
How can this happen? Watching the news this morning an expose on the "activities" of some of our government employees and their "work" watching porn on the job and spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on their own entertainment is only the tip of the iceberg.
As upsetting as the waste of money is, the waste of a life is even more critical and crucial to stop.
Will it happen to you? It can and it does on a daily basis as we legislate and remove or fail to include protection for the innocent as well as shield the guilty.
My experience has been the administration of our laws through any agency directly connected with an overseeing governmental department is often staffed by individuals with the lowest level of credentials and abilities.
Even those who are highly competent may be ill educated and lack the ability to move or make decisions as they're bound by the chains of words and directives causing lack of action and causing misaction.
What do we do with "leftovers"? Many throw them away. Others realize their value and combine them with "ingredients" sustaining and lengthening the prosperity of the whole.
When will we value the life that has been lived by the many and not just the few?
When will our laws protect all and not just those who know how to manipulate and control those who are supposed to defend and protect?
In the words of the late Lenoard Nimoy, "Live Long And Prosper" should be a part of all lives, those who have the ways and means and those who, for whatever reason, do not.
For any who have endured life challenges that have used savings or savings have deteriorated due to job loss or other life events and for those who have had what little remains taken away through Undue Influence, their fate is set by the low to non existent standards and practices in place within our society.
These are the people who are society's "LEFTOVERS" -- the remains of what was valued, enjoyed, coveted and used.
Now, no longer needed or wanted, some form of disposal must be found. Currently we shelve. As our economy becomes more "needful" will we turn to other means to ensure those who "can do" will be provided for and those who cannot will not just be ill provided for or will be refused provision?
My Mom's life became controlled by "higher powers" when a false report was made to the Missouri Elder Abuse Hotline.
No notification given to me "the accused".
No investigation of me or my daughter, who were both care giving Mom and my husband/daughter's father.
No questioning my husband who was basically bed ridden with openings across his stomach draining out his fecal material and urine as to his well being.
Why didn't they work to remove him?
Or were they believing taking Mom "out of" the environment would make the challenges of care giving "less" and therefore "better".
Right. Now we had to split our time between the house and the Long Term Care Facility and overcome the challenges incurred by an Undue Influencer who was "in control".
Decisions thought to be "in her best interest" by someone who had no real idea who Mom was or had been and no idea or even information directly gathered from our family members.
This "government official" was "doing her job" thinking if a person, a "professional", a "medical" professional, reported abuse, it must certainly be so.
Why?
Does that diploma confer honesty and integrity?
Does that diploma cast aside or replace avarice and greed or a desire for self power?
This "government official" failed to do "her job" when she failed to be the monitor, the adversary for all, and especially when she failed to recognize the preponderance of evidence to the contrary of what was being said and done.
This "government official" entrusted with the health and well being of society as a whole through the Department of Health and Senior Services, was so ill informed and so poorly trained for her position that she walked into a hospital room with a critically ill Senior citizen where the very entry was closed and clearly posted "Gown and gloves required to enter" and put on neither as she brought in who knows what causing more pain and suffering and eventual death.
Since when does the government allow someone to steal?
To take openly and freely from our elderly?
When the person has "credentials", they're not thought of as thieves but rather "friends" and "protectors" of another's possessions. That's how our society entered into many financial crisis -- trust misplaced.
My Mom went from full Social Security to an "allowance" of $30 a month, a shared room and bathroom with a stranger, no ability for privacy and being told when, where and how she would live and would function.
A lifestyle she'd often seen, never wanted and made it very clear these were her wishes and for almost forty years,
through the good times and the challenges of increasing medical and psychological needs.
I made sure my Mom remained a part of the family she loved, she supported and she valued.
Until Undue Influence, in the form of a woman who worked to gain her trust and ours, who outwardly represented the epitomy of trust as a Registered Nurse,
someone who "took care" of the Elderly and, above all, who held positions of public visibility within our Church in one of the highest positions given of being a Lector,
could not resist the opportunity to control, to gain financially and to continue to ensure Mom, "the ball", was kept in play the way she wanted.
An avid tennis player who won significant awards in College and still competes on the amateur circuit, has found another game where she can excel well into her later years and beyond the high level of physical durability.
Lies and distortions of truth personally crafted by the woman who came into our family's life, a wolf in sheep's clothing, pretending to care -- as she has done with others and continues to do today. As she said when asked about the report to the Elder Abuse Hotline and the disappearance of money, "You can't prove it." She's right. For now.
Yet evidence shows the DHSS official actively participated in ensuring the removal of Mom's only remaining protection when she assisted with the removal of the POA that had been in place albeit not used and held for "the time" when Mom could not make decisions for herself.
The DHSS official did not go through the courts, did not seek medical evaluation, instead she acted without fact, without evidence and without knowledge of Dementia, especially Lewy Body Dementia and embraced and valued someone with an agenda using Undue Influence.
A POA trust given and a trust accepted knowing the full responsibility of enacting that trust.
A trust removed without ensuring the safety and well being of a community of Seniors, one man and two women, and a younger citizen of the State of Missouri, for whom this "representative" worked and pledged to protect and serve.
Why? With what evidence?
How can this happen? Watching the news this morning an expose on the "activities" of some of our government employees and their "work" watching porn on the job and spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on their own entertainment is only the tip of the iceberg.
As upsetting as the waste of money is, the waste of a life is even more critical and crucial to stop.
Will it happen to you? It can and it does on a daily basis as we legislate and remove or fail to include protection for the innocent as well as shield the guilty.
My experience has been the administration of our laws through any agency directly connected with an overseeing governmental department is often staffed by individuals with the lowest level of credentials and abilities.
Even those who are highly competent may be ill educated and lack the ability to move or make decisions as they're bound by the chains of words and directives causing lack of action and causing misaction.
What do we do with "leftovers"? Many throw them away. Others realize their value and combine them with "ingredients" sustaining and lengthening the prosperity of the whole.
When will we value the life that has been lived by the many and not just the few?
When will our laws protect all and not just those who know how to manipulate and control those who are supposed to defend and protect?
In the words of the late Lenoard Nimoy, "Live Long And Prosper" should be a part of all lives, those who have the ways and means and those who, for whatever reason, do not.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Justified Anger
Mom's Undue Influencer played games with
Mom and with us.
Just like the tennis she loved and still plays competitively,
she seemed to enjoy "slamming" Mom and us by removing something --
clothing, jewelry, makeup, anything we brought or provided -- and then it would
"reappear".
Yes, I realize other residents can "borrow" items but many of these things did not have Mom's name on them and they would come and go right after Julia visited -- which seems to be a pattern other than a resident "shopping" in Mom's room. Besides, we were friends with many staff and they would tell us they looked everywhere -- as did we-- to no avail.
This woman seemed to enjoy setting people up for a major "slam" in life as much as she has during her many years of playing competitive tennis.
She seemed to enjoy playing games with people even if they don't know they're participating.
Did she do it to try to
keep or place another wedge between Mom and us?
Did she do it because she
derived pleasure from watching Mom be confused?
Did she do it to try to advance
Mom's Dementia or to have the facility or us see Mom as having more advanced
Dementia?
MISSOURI LAW MAY BE ADJUSTED AS OF JANUARY 2017 to provide more guidelines as to what is considered Elder Abuse to the Hotline.
I like to believe I had a positive effect on getting this much needed adjustment. That some good has come from the tragedy of what we experienced.
How much has she gained from this little enterprise she's had for years?
Mom said the woman had gotten a new car not too long after Mom's Social Security money Mom had been accumulating for several months had "disappeared" from our home.
It was also shortly after Mom "permanently moved" into the first facility.
It was also not very long after Julia had taken Mom to the bank, opened a safety deposit box with
her and kept both keys.
We knew Mom's burial fund was missing, money we'd
worked to accumulate for Mom and let her keep in her room, but we didn't think
about Mom's months of Social Security.
Looking back, it's easy to understand. From the time Mom received her first Social Security Check when she was 62 (she was then 95), she controlled every penny of the money deciding what to do with it. Most of it went on trips all over the world (along with significant sums we were able to provide as our businesses grew and were successful), gifts for grand children and then great grandchildren.
THIS WOMAN WAS AWARE OF THIS PRACTICE. You see, I was
stupid, I admit it. Julia befriended me by befriending my Mother; she knew I
was vulnerable and she knew Mom was strongly into Dementia and I’m almost
certain she knew it was Lewy Body Dementia based on what I shared with her
about Mom’s behaviour.
NOT A PENNY PAID TO US OVER ALMOST FORTY YEARS BY MOM FOR any part of her living or any needs she had -- we paid for whatever she needed and she offered a few dollars here and there -- even though she lived in our home, part of a multi generational family unit, from the time she was 57 until the woman tore our family apart accusing me of Elder Abuse to the Missouri Hotline -- financial and emotional.
When you don't handle money, you don't think about it. When you're faced with a husband critically and chronically ill, constantly at the hospital, enduring endless days of not knowing what next medical challenge might separate you and finally seeing a possible light with an end to the hospitalization, rehab and "coming home" but facing 24/7 care giving for two, you live from day to day and sometimes minute to minute often not thinking but just reacting.
Yes, Mom received her SS money once a month and I took her to the bank or went and brought her back every penny. But, quite honestly, looking back and even yet today, survival living isn't conducive to planning, thinking or even considering options.
You move as though you live in Jello and one day is the same as the last and the next.
STILL TODAY. This woman walks among us.
As far as I know, she’s still “caring for” the elderly with Dementia of “advanced
stages” and still a part of our Church’s St Vincent de Paul Society managing
the home visits and getting to know who in the community has what needs –
especially the elderly.
This woman is shrewd. She
is calculating. And she probably believes she deserves whatever she “takes” or “receives”
from the elderly she “serves”. After all, they can’t use it and don’t need it. She
does.
A planner and someone
who’s used to winning at games in life.
This woman moves among you
as she moved among us. Every day I hope and pray someone will be better at
catching her in the act and end her career of undue influence and abuse of
Seniors.
This woman called the Elder Abuse Hotline, she knows the consequences for Elder Abuse in the State of Missouri are incarceration. Believe the new law would consider what we believe but find difficult to prove because it was cash, the amount qualifies as a Class C Felony
Friday, February 20, 2015
Hospice Denied: End Of Life Making The Best of What We Could Provide
Mom's roommate removed to another room; not Mom. Mom not taken to the "Hospice Room".
Corporate Headquarters made a big announcement and PR was spread through local media about the conversion of one room in Mom's facility for use by residents who were imminently passing.
Mom didn't "qualify", I suppose, because we wouldn't do the facility's "Hospice".
The PR didn't mention this as a condition of "use". More exposure, I suppose, to withhold the whole truth.
We'd had too many incidents with Mom's facility where neglect and what I would cite as direct physical abuse were encountered to warrant our entrusting her care in the last stages of life to the people who'd abused this privilege for almost two years.
We wanted an outside, independent of the facility, Hospice service and were NOT ALLOWED to have this choice.
We went to both the Missouri DHSS and the Ombudsman but no one seemed to think this was worth investigating or handling.
WHO REALLY PROTECTS THE INTERESTS AND LIVES OF OUR SENIORS IN SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES WHEN FAMILIES CANNOT? NO ONE, SADLY. NO ONE.
Skilled Nursing Centers are BUSINESSES. Businesses can serve whom they want, how they want, with certain Rules and Regulations.
Ever read those R & R's? They're written by people who are influenced by groups who Lobby for legislation that's "facility friendly" and ensures wide interpretations and standards that are so low a mouse can crawl through but a lion, a protector, is denied access.
As mentioned in a previous blog entry, the reason we weren't allowed an "outside facility" Hospice Service was concerns the facility had after an outside agency provided worker was accused of fondling and touching inappropriately a woman while showering. He was a licensed clinical social worker and worked for a Hospice organization. The news story says he "admitted touching them in their private areas while showering them". He made this admission because of "religious beliefs". Hmmmmm.
What about the Aides who "touch" residents when they wipe them? Or the Aides who physically abused my Mom, directly employed by the facility, who used a rough hand towel barely dampened to SCRUB dried fecal material off Mom's back and front "private areas"?
I'm sure someone had to do this when they gave her a shower, too. Don't know the facts but there's been no follow up to the original story in the news.
MY QUESTION: Why aren't there two attendants supervising the shower during the process anyway? Especially due to the fact that probably a large number of residents have some form of declining Dementia where they might see this as "fondling" or "inappropriate touching". Not saying it isn't possible or didn't happen but see the facility denying Mom of her right to get Medical Treatment which Hospice is considered, especially when she was in the process of passing, as withholding proper medical treatment and therefore ABUSE.
By the way, have you ever really examined the shower facility in a Skilled Nursing Center?
It's not like what you have at home and the level of cleanliness is often suspect in many facilities where this area is the least attended and cleaning isn't done from one individual to the next but simply once a day or perhaps if there's an "accident" some slight additional cleaning is performed.
WHY NO ADDITIONAL STAFF? SIMPLE ANSWER: That raises the cost and that would mean additional staff which is not part of the economics of a Long Term Care Facility either For Profit or Not For Profit.
WE BECAME MOM'S END OF LIFE CARE GIVERS AS WE HAD BEEN HER DURING LIFE CAREGIVERS. Of course, Julia, the person we call the Undue Influencer, left after she saw Mom's mental capabilities were so far gone she was safe from Mom providing any additional incriminating information or evidence. We believe Julia arrived when she thought there might be something to gain -- an old woman living with a family who'd cared for her and paid all her expenses who probably had a "hidden stash" of money or had made some investments she could get her hands on.
DAUGHTER AND I MADE DO -- AS ALWAYS -- THOSE LAST FEW DAYS WE SPENT CARING FOR MOM AS SHE ENDED HER JOURNEY IN THIS LIFE.
Daughter made a pallet on the floor and I crawled into Mom's reclining chair that had broken. we'd been told the staff would repair it, they never did.
The chair was in full recline so this was quite a challenge -- especially getting out or trying to turn my body while in the chair. I'm not that young anymore and even my daughter in her mid twenties was finding the getting in, getting out and even getting into a position for any length of time to be very uncomfortable.
STILL WONDERING -- how long was Mom not fed or underfed during the time we couldn't get to the Skilled Nursing Facility that last week.
We received no calls to alert us to any changes in Mom's behaviour or care plan or care giving -- just the call telling us to come immediately as the Head Floor Nurse considered Mom to be imminently dying.
Mom had an inoperable hernia or ruptured disc in her upper back and the thin Hospital bed mattress was most uncomfortable. That's why she slept in her reclining chair as it provided the ability to at least recline and had a softer pad than the thin mattress covering the bed. Like inmates in prison, the beds were minimal and not considerate of very old muscles and bones.
The Social Worker could have gotten her a special mattress; the facility Dr could have prescribed it. Something we didn't realize and of course, no one cared enough to tell us.
But then, I'm not even sure there was a Social Worker during this time. They were "between" SW's for a long time. And the Nurse Manager had been "moved" up a floor and so that was also a "vacancy" on Mom's floor.
MISSOURI STATE REGULATIONS ONLY REQUIRE "A SOCIAL WORKER" FOR AN ENTIRE FACILITY the size of the one Mom was in. We have no idea if they had one; they sometimes had as many as three, then two and then one. With the departure of the one on Mom's floor, cannot say whether they had any for some time.
FORGOTTEN. SET ASIDE. CONSIDERED TO BE TOO COSTLY. I remember constantly pleading for Mom to get pads/liners for the flimsy paper pants they provided. She would soak them constantly along with her clothes which we took care of laundering -- we couldn't ask the facility to do them because Julia was making regular visits and at least this way we had better ability to see what was missing and what was "returned" after being gone for a week or longer.
A DOCTOR IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI MUST DETERMINE THESE PADS ARE NECESSARY FOR MEDICAL REASONS. They add an additional patient cost factor. Doctors are "approved" by the facility to "practice" within their walls. Mom's "Dr" was associated with the facility and continuously denied her these pads.
On our limited and often non existent funds due to both of us never seeming to have a job that paid for more than the bare necessities, we managed to get Mom pads and whatever else she needed, including an additional piece of clothing here and there from Goodwill. We gave up other things as we did those last months when we cared for my husband and mother.
We believed then and we believe now, their lives were priceless.
Corporate Headquarters made a big announcement and PR was spread through local media about the conversion of one room in Mom's facility for use by residents who were imminently passing.
Mom didn't "qualify", I suppose, because we wouldn't do the facility's "Hospice".
The PR didn't mention this as a condition of "use". More exposure, I suppose, to withhold the whole truth.
We'd had too many incidents with Mom's facility where neglect and what I would cite as direct physical abuse were encountered to warrant our entrusting her care in the last stages of life to the people who'd abused this privilege for almost two years.
We wanted an outside, independent of the facility, Hospice service and were NOT ALLOWED to have this choice.
We went to both the Missouri DHSS and the Ombudsman but no one seemed to think this was worth investigating or handling.
WHO REALLY PROTECTS THE INTERESTS AND LIVES OF OUR SENIORS IN SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES WHEN FAMILIES CANNOT? NO ONE, SADLY. NO ONE.
Skilled Nursing Centers are BUSINESSES. Businesses can serve whom they want, how they want, with certain Rules and Regulations.
Ever read those R & R's? They're written by people who are influenced by groups who Lobby for legislation that's "facility friendly" and ensures wide interpretations and standards that are so low a mouse can crawl through but a lion, a protector, is denied access.
As mentioned in a previous blog entry, the reason we weren't allowed an "outside facility" Hospice Service was concerns the facility had after an outside agency provided worker was accused of fondling and touching inappropriately a woman while showering. He was a licensed clinical social worker and worked for a Hospice organization. The news story says he "admitted touching them in their private areas while showering them". He made this admission because of "religious beliefs". Hmmmmm.
What about the Aides who "touch" residents when they wipe them? Or the Aides who physically abused my Mom, directly employed by the facility, who used a rough hand towel barely dampened to SCRUB dried fecal material off Mom's back and front "private areas"?
I'm sure someone had to do this when they gave her a shower, too. Don't know the facts but there's been no follow up to the original story in the news.
MY QUESTION: Why aren't there two attendants supervising the shower during the process anyway? Especially due to the fact that probably a large number of residents have some form of declining Dementia where they might see this as "fondling" or "inappropriate touching". Not saying it isn't possible or didn't happen but see the facility denying Mom of her right to get Medical Treatment which Hospice is considered, especially when she was in the process of passing, as withholding proper medical treatment and therefore ABUSE.
By the way, have you ever really examined the shower facility in a Skilled Nursing Center?
It's not like what you have at home and the level of cleanliness is often suspect in many facilities where this area is the least attended and cleaning isn't done from one individual to the next but simply once a day or perhaps if there's an "accident" some slight additional cleaning is performed.
WHY NO ADDITIONAL STAFF? SIMPLE ANSWER: That raises the cost and that would mean additional staff which is not part of the economics of a Long Term Care Facility either For Profit or Not For Profit.
WE BECAME MOM'S END OF LIFE CARE GIVERS AS WE HAD BEEN HER DURING LIFE CAREGIVERS. Of course, Julia, the person we call the Undue Influencer, left after she saw Mom's mental capabilities were so far gone she was safe from Mom providing any additional incriminating information or evidence. We believe Julia arrived when she thought there might be something to gain -- an old woman living with a family who'd cared for her and paid all her expenses who probably had a "hidden stash" of money or had made some investments she could get her hands on.
DAUGHTER AND I MADE DO -- AS ALWAYS -- THOSE LAST FEW DAYS WE SPENT CARING FOR MOM AS SHE ENDED HER JOURNEY IN THIS LIFE.
Daughter made a pallet on the floor and I crawled into Mom's reclining chair that had broken. we'd been told the staff would repair it, they never did.
The chair was in full recline so this was quite a challenge -- especially getting out or trying to turn my body while in the chair. I'm not that young anymore and even my daughter in her mid twenties was finding the getting in, getting out and even getting into a position for any length of time to be very uncomfortable.
STILL WONDERING -- how long was Mom not fed or underfed during the time we couldn't get to the Skilled Nursing Facility that last week.
We received no calls to alert us to any changes in Mom's behaviour or care plan or care giving -- just the call telling us to come immediately as the Head Floor Nurse considered Mom to be imminently dying.
Mom had an inoperable hernia or ruptured disc in her upper back and the thin Hospital bed mattress was most uncomfortable. That's why she slept in her reclining chair as it provided the ability to at least recline and had a softer pad than the thin mattress covering the bed. Like inmates in prison, the beds were minimal and not considerate of very old muscles and bones.
The Social Worker could have gotten her a special mattress; the facility Dr could have prescribed it. Something we didn't realize and of course, no one cared enough to tell us.
But then, I'm not even sure there was a Social Worker during this time. They were "between" SW's for a long time. And the Nurse Manager had been "moved" up a floor and so that was also a "vacancy" on Mom's floor.
MISSOURI STATE REGULATIONS ONLY REQUIRE "A SOCIAL WORKER" FOR AN ENTIRE FACILITY the size of the one Mom was in. We have no idea if they had one; they sometimes had as many as three, then two and then one. With the departure of the one on Mom's floor, cannot say whether they had any for some time.
FORGOTTEN. SET ASIDE. CONSIDERED TO BE TOO COSTLY. I remember constantly pleading for Mom to get pads/liners for the flimsy paper pants they provided. She would soak them constantly along with her clothes which we took care of laundering -- we couldn't ask the facility to do them because Julia was making regular visits and at least this way we had better ability to see what was missing and what was "returned" after being gone for a week or longer.
A DOCTOR IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI MUST DETERMINE THESE PADS ARE NECESSARY FOR MEDICAL REASONS. They add an additional patient cost factor. Doctors are "approved" by the facility to "practice" within their walls. Mom's "Dr" was associated with the facility and continuously denied her these pads.
On our limited and often non existent funds due to both of us never seeming to have a job that paid for more than the bare necessities, we managed to get Mom pads and whatever else she needed, including an additional piece of clothing here and there from Goodwill. We gave up other things as we did those last months when we cared for my husband and mother.
We believed then and we believe now, their lives were priceless.