One of our members brought this article to my attention. I put the direct link to it on the home page under the Breaking News section. Or you can copy and paste - http://www.startribune.com/local/64672702.html?page=1&c=y
If anything screamed for more awareness raising about AD and the need for services, this article is it.
Agreed, joan. Across the board--the public in general and all social professionals--Police, Socialworkers, etc. Glad the prosector had her head on straight.
Reminds me of when our Daughter was little. We'd go to Grand Haven and walk the pier out into Lake Michigan. People would fish off the pier. Someimes the water would be really rough and actually splash onto or even over the end of the pier. Daughte got to an age where she wanted o walk (run) ahead and would dash right up to the edge to see the fish te fishermen had caught. Our solution was to buy a harness from a Baby furnisings store. It went on over her head and around her torso. When we got out of the car, we'd tie a length of rope onto the back and we'd all walk the pier. If we began to field too many nasty loks, I'd just make a point of remarking, pointedly, "Sure glad she can have fun and still be safe." or the like. Cruety? I thnk not.
The husband's solution might not have been the best, but it was doing the job and his intent was on the money. The authorities dropped the ball big time.
Today's kids have little "backpacks" made like stuffed animals, with a leash attached. They're very popular (and rightly so) at the zoo.
It sounds like there may be a "happy ending" if he gets an electronic monitoring system .. but obviously there was major overreaction by the authorities.
Remember the old saw, "hell is paved with good intentions."
I have been concerned recently about the rules that forbid a nursing home to put side-rails on the bed so the patient won't fall out. I probably could be accused of violating the law since I have a (child's) side-rail on DW's side of the bed. I did this after spending too much time picking her up off the floor when she fell out. I wonder if the husband in the article could sue the state for the damage it did to him and his wife and the rest of the family. Something needs to be done to educate the public, and particularly those in authority over us.
To follow the restraint rules of rails, next thing will be to abolish rails on bunkbeds and cribs. The porpose is to protect the resident of said bed from injury by falling out. That's not restraint.
I agree with marsh--famiies should be able to sue when authorities intervene in ways that cause damage to them because the authorities acted without adequate knowledge. The public can be prosecuted for doing wrong--and the "I didn't know" reason is not accepted. In this particular family's case, information was available, and offered--the authorities refused it. That right there should be grounds for a judgement.
This reminded me of when I was a kid and my mom always had my brother wear a harness when we went someplace crowded (he is 8 years younger than me) and once while on vacation in Texas she tied the lead to his harness to a tree because he was so quick and they were worried he would fall into the river that was behind our campsite when their back was turned (he was 3 at the time)--I wonder what would happen to my parents now if someone complained about that.
People need to understand how dementia diseases can cause caregivers to do whatever is necessary to keep their loved ones safe.
i doubt that railing law applys for personal home care - the NH are CYA policy -i also bought a slip under the mattress style rail to keep DH from falling out but it didnt work. he threw his legs over it:)so i took it back.
i found if i roll him on his side to the inside of the bed when he lays down, he doesnt roll out during the nite. if they are prone to rolling to one side switch sides:)
i agree some of the antics that our spouses do well we have to do what we need to to ensure their safety. ie-deadbolts on doors to keep them inside safe at nite or off the streets! divvi