To the editor: I learn this text with unhappiness and anger (“As dementia rates increase, experts warn hospital ERs aren’t ready,” April 20). Final month, my husband died after an eight-year wrestle with dementia. Following a foul fall at residence, he was transported unconscious to our native hospital emergency room the place he spent three days.
Throughout that point, I used to be informed repeatedly by hospital directors that dementia sufferers didn’t belong within the ER. I used to be additionally informed that he couldn’t be cared for in an everyday hospital mattress, although he had not regained consciousness. His insurance coverage firm approved a keep in a talented nursing facility. The issue was that there wasn’t a single mattress obtainable in expert nursing in Ventura County.
Let that sink in. It was lastly instructed that I transfer my husband to a reminiscence care facility with a care stage that would accommodate him with hospice help. With no different possibility, I wrote a test to this facility for nearly $14,000. My husband died 16 days later with out ever regaining consciousness.
The medical system on this nation is damaged. As your article states, it’s extra worthwhile for hospitals to order beds for sufferers who will convey greater funds from insurance coverage corporations. Dementia sufferers are low on the checklist. Californians who’ve long-term insurance coverage could also be in for a impolite awakening as to the share of care in assisted residing that may really be lined. Take into account my story a cautionary story.
Elizabeth Alexander, Ojai
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To the editor: It is a matter that appears to get pushed to the aspect too usually. I cared for my mother, who had sundowners dementia, in her residence till she handed away. I received so in poor health myself with vertigo from all of the stress of it and couldn’t work anymore. The shortage of cash and packages to help households going by way of comparable ordeals is a narrative in itself. Bringing their tales to the sunshine is a superb begin.
Angela Ghilarducci, Las Vegas
