So, what measures can we take to ensure the caregivers we hire, the programs we enroll our loved ones in, and even the doctors who deliver care are providing what they promise?
Sometimes we can research, run checks and balances, keep a close eye, and things can still go wrong... in my particular instance very wrong.
I'm going to add to what you shared.
Have random drug tests administered and read by an outside source. Pay close attention to what is being given (maybe not prescribed), and note discrepancies with his or her doctor. Note any changes in behavior, such as depression... and if the patient complains "things don't feel right" pay attention. It may or may not be imagined, better safe than sorry. Good read, Janice. Thank you.
This is really good information, Janice. So valuable for those needing care.
When my mom began her Alzheimer's journey we hired an in-home aide through a well known agency. She seemed wonderful and we were happy...until we discovered that she had stolen all my mother's jewelry, opened a credit card in her name and used it to buy gifts for herself and others, and used cash to buy groceries, etc....and you can imagine what happened to that. She also left my mother standing on a curb...she fell and broke her hip which ended her ability to walk.
We were blessed that she didn't have to go through Covid so we could spend a lot of time with her. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for you under those conditions. My heart goes out to you.
Hi Heather, how awful for your Mom. Folks with Alzheimer's are so vulnerable and to take advantage of them is inexcusable. I'm just curious was the agency culpable or was she arrested?
She was fired and her license taken away. We could have pressed charges but we didn't. Hard to explain but we were just too exhausted and devastated by what had happened to take that on, while still taking care of my mom.
You provide such valuable information, Janice. I knew some of these things in 2014, but you've listed great advice and tips that I didn't know. We must share our stories with others, so that theirs will (hopefully) be better.
Hi That's my hope. I didn't know about those things either - and wish I had. The trajectory of the disease wasn't going to change but maybe we could have had an easier time of it.
This is just heartbreaking Janice. Your expectations were understandable and something I wrestled with regarding my father, but he was capable to reject my suggestions of assisted living until a COVID vaccine was available.
So, what measures can we take to ensure the caregivers we hire, the programs we enroll our loved ones in, and even the doctors who deliver care are providing what they promise?
Thank you, Janice. I am copying this article for my son. Sooner or later, he will be seeking care for me. So very helpful!
Excellent as always!
Trust ❤️
Sometimes we can research, run checks and balances, keep a close eye, and things can still go wrong... in my particular instance very wrong.
I'm going to add to what you shared.
Have random drug tests administered and read by an outside source. Pay close attention to what is being given (maybe not prescribed), and note discrepancies with his or her doctor. Note any changes in behavior, such as depression... and if the patient complains "things don't feel right" pay attention. It may or may not be imagined, better safe than sorry. Good read, Janice. Thank you.
Patti, Thank you so much for your additions - they are excellent.
This is really good information, Janice. So valuable for those needing care.
When my mom began her Alzheimer's journey we hired an in-home aide through a well known agency. She seemed wonderful and we were happy...until we discovered that she had stolen all my mother's jewelry, opened a credit card in her name and used it to buy gifts for herself and others, and used cash to buy groceries, etc....and you can imagine what happened to that. She also left my mother standing on a curb...she fell and broke her hip which ended her ability to walk.
We were blessed that she didn't have to go through Covid so we could spend a lot of time with her. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for you under those conditions. My heart goes out to you.
Hi Heather, how awful for your Mom. Folks with Alzheimer's are so vulnerable and to take advantage of them is inexcusable. I'm just curious was the agency culpable or was she arrested?
She was fired and her license taken away. We could have pressed charges but we didn't. Hard to explain but we were just too exhausted and devastated by what had happened to take that on, while still taking care of my mom.
It makes sense to me - you can only manage so much stress and drama at a time.
You provide such valuable information, Janice. I knew some of these things in 2014, but you've listed great advice and tips that I didn't know. We must share our stories with others, so that theirs will (hopefully) be better.
Hi That's my hope. I didn't know about those things either - and wish I had. The trajectory of the disease wasn't going to change but maybe we could have had an easier time of it.
This is just heartbreaking Janice. Your expectations were understandable and something I wrestled with regarding my father, but he was capable to reject my suggestions of assisted living until a COVID vaccine was available.