Identifying dementia

Last night I saw a really distressing local news item about an elderly man, aged 74 and with dementia, being wrestled to the floor in a hospital of all places, because he was found wandering at night and the external security company was called and handled the whole thing really badly. (It happens to be the same company my husband works for, and I can't imagine in my wildest dreams that he or any of his colleagues would have reacted in this uncaring and dangerous way, so I hope this was just one brash and badly trained security officer).

Of course it's difficult always to be sure of facts when you aren't there, but definitely it all sounded absolutely unacceptable.

One solution (after the pivotal one of understanding and training), was suggested as coloured wristbands to identify those who might be wandering around through confusion and vulnerability. An executive of the Alzheimers Society was interviewed and she was at pains to point out that this should only be with the consent of the patient with dementia.

What do you think? I seem to remember that the last time I got admitted overnight to a hospital I was furnished with a coloured wristband to indicate that I was ambulatory and able to attend to my own needs. I don't remember being asked my permission! I think that if it helps staff, the patient, and auxiliary services like security to carry out their work with a better understanding of dementia, I think the bands should just be used, unless it causes an individual particular distress.

Hospitals are busy places and it's all too easy for a confused person to wander off, or even out, and find themselves in danger.

For training purposes in the art of dealing with the confused, I'd employ my sister any day of the week. She is a master at persuasion and calming down my brother-in-law when he becomes confused and agitated. She could have done with only her voice what an unthinking security guard tried to do by force.

[sassy59]

Hi Callendersgal, I was so shocked when I saw the news item yesterday. It was at a hospital that is very well known to us and where Pete spent 5 weeks with sepsis in 2018. It was abhorrent to me and I feel the security guard should have lost his job. It was reported that he had acted in a professional manner and did the right thing! What! I don’t think so. The poor elderly man was confused and frightened so may well have pushed the guard away as he didn’t understand what was happening. Dreadful.

I do feel some means of identification ie. a wristband could work so long as the dementia sufferer kept it on. No need to ask permission just offer it with a reason perhaps. “What a pretty/important item it is” etc. It would work I’m sure and certainly worth trialling.

Your sister is doing a fantastic job and I wish she could help train various people to be more caring, understanding and compassionate. It’s so important. Xxx

[Hidden in reply to sassy59]

Like you sassy59 I was horrified and I definitely agree that the security officer should have lost his job. I didn't like the way the company tried to insist it had behaved in accordance with its operational guidelines. What on earth is wrong in admitting to a bad mistake? I feel it has done itself no favours by trying to whitewash itself. No wonder the hospital has decided to make security 'in-house' again. However it's tackled, I hope that would never ever happen to any vulnerable, confused and frightened person again, particularly an elderly one. Imagine the physical damage that could have been inflicted. I was cheered to hear that at least he couldn't recall the incident, but it has left his relatives traumatised, and little wonder!

[sassy59 in reply to Hidden]

Yes I completely agree Callendersgal and ‘in-house’ with good training is the way forward I feel. The company behaved very badly but fortunately the poor man didn’t recall anything. His poor family though are left scarred by that security guards actions. Xx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I understand your argument but, I try to keep an open mind, I guess with my background in that area. I have had to dive on a patient who was psychotic and experiencing a n episode of psychosis. There are two priorities. Protecting the patient and others around the area. You shouldn't judge from a short film and seeing it out of context.

[Hidden in reply to sassy59]

Speaking with experience in this area, treating the patient like a child doesn't generally work. If they display challenging behaviour, this is much more difficult and containment is the only thing to do other than PRN medication (injection usually). Most of the time the problem can be frustration.

[Hidden]

I saw that on the news a few weeks ago, and yes, it is distressing. Worst of all, it was a security guard that did it and not a nurse in sight! It definitely highlights a training need for staff. I used to work with people that had mental illness and learning difficulties (formerly people with a mental handicap). It is a specialist work area and one that general nurses don't have much experience of.

[Sara_2611]

Hiya

My neighbour has recently been diagnosed with Dementia & sometimes i call in for a chat & I noticed that she constantly repeats things

Her family are worried that she is forgetting to eat so every day theyre taking her back with them for meals breakfast lunch & tea & when shes at home they want me to keep an eye on her to make sure she doesnt go walking off on her own or show any strange signs of behaviour & a family member has given me his phone no in case

[sassy59 in reply to Sara_2611]

That’s very kind of you Sara. You’re a star ⭐️ xxx

[Sara_2611 in reply to sassy59]

youre welcome

[Hidden]

Hi Sara_2611, It’s very good of you to agree to help and I’m sure it will be deeply appreciated as it’s quite a challenge to be the carer of someone with dementia. Well done you for being so kind! 🙏😊

[Sara_2611]

Its ok -Im not her carer - a nurse comes to see her once a week & her family pick her up for meals.I just pop in now & again to give her some company