It is so very moving and makes you realise just how precious life is and should be revered. Does anyone in your family have or had either of these dreadful diseases and what do you think about the government in the UK witholding drugs that can help those in the early stages of Dementia.?
My Mother never suffered with either but my dear Gran did and it was just so awful watch her deteriorate knowing there was nothing we could do, but care for her daily needs.
2007-03-05 23:46:34 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
ne 11 how right you are, we have to speak up for them...and we might be one of them someday.
2007-03-06 00:07:30 · update #1
My Nan has alzheimers but she can't even remember that. She is in the earlyish stages just now but I've worked in nursing homes and I know its only going to get worse and it really upsets me to think that far ahead.
She is at the stage now we can still laugh when she forgets something but the other week she didn't recognise me or my son who has been the apple of her eye since she was born.
I feel worse for my mum. She is visiting my Nan 5 times a week to make sure she is ok, doing shopping and stuff (along with her other 2 sisters) but it must be heartbreaking to see you own mother go through it. I feel I can't talk to my mum about how it upsets me for that reason and my hubby doesn't really understand.
My advice to anyone who spots the early signs in a relative is to get the doctor and social services involved as soon as possible. My mum done this and it looks like my Nan will get a place in a home soon which is what everyone wants - even my Nan when she remembers!
I'm not listening to Jeremy Vine, I'm to young for Radio 2 (lol) but I hope my mum is.
2007-03-05 23:54:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm not sure I've ever heard of that show, then again I'm in the states here. I'm sure it's very moving though.
No one in my family, to my knowledge, has ever suffered from dementia thankfully. But, I've worked in several nursing homes and have seen first-hand what it does to people. Some are so far gone they don't even realize where they are, who I am, or what year it is - it's heartbreaking at times, especially when they sincerely believe I am one of their children. They live only in their memories now. Since dementia often turns good people into something they never were, I'm often left to wonder what they must have been like before this disease took hold. I'm sure they would have had some wonderful stories to share.
The best thing I can do for them is to be there, whether they realize I'm there or not, and make them as comfortable as possible.
2007-03-06 07:54:09 · answer #2 · answered by Karma 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I worked on a unit for dementia sufferers, its hard but very rewarding work. I found it helpful to talk to the relatives about how the person was before the illness, sometimes you only see the illness not the person. These people had lives before they became ill, they had the same hopes, aspirations, loves and fears that we have. I was luck the unit was a great place to work, very caring and the relatives were allowed to keep caring for their loved one as long as they wanted too.
With regard to the Government, its always the same, they can find money for war, their own pay rises etc, but when it comes to looking after people who have worked all their lives and fought for this country they suddenly become second class citizens. Of course these poor souls can't vote or have a voice any more so they get ignored.
2007-03-06 08:05:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi Bou! My gran had some kind of dementia before she died. She lost her sense of identity and lost all recognition of family members.
It is a horrible process but everyone was very supportive to her and made things as comforting as possible.
All the more reason for us to get as much out of life as we can and it will probably help offset such conditions if we keep our minds fit and exercised and have a quality diet.
If the government are withholding drugs it may be that they could make things worse for a percentage of people, or it may be considered too expensive for the public purse. But both conditions cause great distress to the sufferer and their loved ones and I think that should be incentive enough to make them freely available.
2007-03-06 07:58:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really feel for people who not only have the disease but especially those who care for them. They never get any help and they loose at every turn not only the drugs but the lack of respite care. These carers never get a break. I think the Government have a lot to answer for in regard to the standard of care people recieve.
My aunt has dimentia and my Uncle takes care of her every need and asks for nothing. It's very sad to watch a vibrant woman disappear but at least she doesn't realise wheat has happened to her. But for my Unlce it's heartbreaking.
2007-03-06 07:52:43 · answer #5 · answered by Samantha C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Mom suffers from this, too. It is devastating.
Part of the problem is medical technology can can extend our lives for more years. But I don't think doctors or the medical community ever broach the topic of quality of life. In many ways it is irresponsible to extend life and not offer help with caring for the elderly. We are not all millionaires with the resources to hire extra help.
Since patients with dementia cannot speak up for themselves, we must do so for them.
2007-03-06 08:03:40 · answer #6 · answered by ne11 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's horrible that the government is withholding drugs, i thinks it's even worse that you have to pay for medication, is it not in the best interest of the government to look after the people? why should people have to pay to survive?! it just makes me angry thinking about it! GRRRR
my grandma had dementia, and it was horrible because she didnt recognise us anymore, and she thought we were other people from her past. But we just looked after her, i dont think anyone should leave their grandparents in care homes/nursing homes, family should look after family!
2007-03-06 07:53:27 · answer #7 · answered by sprite 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are so right they are awful diseases, my grandmother had Alzheimers, it was awful to watch and almost a relief when she passed away.. I know what it is like. It would be nice if the NHS had enough money for everything, but where do you draw the line? who do you decide should have money spent on> would not like that job
2007-03-06 07:52:40 · answer #8 · answered by uniquewoman 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes Boudicca it is a terrible affliction and its only when you come face to face with it do you realise how it dergades the human person you once knew turn into little more than a zombie
2007-03-06 07:54:19 · answer #9 · answered by srracvuee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋