My husband has been in assisted living since April 1. Somewhere around April 15, he got in a fight with another patient. He was actually attaked you might say. The patient who was new there asked my husband a question which he did not answer because he doesn't talk. The guy got impatient and slugged him and then the fight was on. My husband ended up with quite a big bruise on his nose. Now last night I got a call from the home and my husband had been in a fight. Both times they sent him off to the emergency room for observation, etc. I did not see him until today when I went to get him to go to a family gathering. He was hit squarely in the left eye this time. He said the other man (Same man as before) started it. It was kind of funny to hear my 46 year old son giving his Dad a lecture about not fighting. Anyway, I can't help but wonder if things like this might take it's toll on him. Also, my son seems to think that my husband does not even feel the pain. Is that possible? I'ts looking pretty bad like I might have to bring him home or find another place.
If it is true that another patient hit your husband, twice, I think you have the right to request that he (the other patient) be removed from the facility. He is a danger to all patients (and possibly the staff). If the facility won't do that, I would certainly remove your husband. No one should have to live in an unsafe environment. Years ago, my DH's Dad (who had EOAD) was put into a facility where he got into a fight, his kidneys were injured, and he died of renal failure. It was very traumatic for everyone.
every interned patient has a 'right' to be safe and free from harm. its the duty of the facility or home hes in to assure hes safe. document the pics of his injuries just to have them. i would not consider leaving spouse in peril if another patient isnt being medicated for anger. divvi
I agree, if they don't remove him at the very least they need to supervise them better! I would be freaking out and calling for an emergency care plan meeting. If there is more than one floor perhaps they could move one of them. If not there has to be a way to keep them apart.
I agree with bluedaze, yes they do feel the pain...the poor buggers just can't express themselves. I hope he heals up quickly and that they resolve the situation pronto!
I agree that the facility has a responsibility and an obligation to keep all their residents safe. And this situation is not safe...I too would demand there be some changes made in room assignments ASAP. Has the other resident attacked anyone else or is he singling out your husband?
First I think your husband is at risk if this other patient is his roommate..but nevertheless, the staff should make sure that other man is not near your husband. Your husband may not realize that what he does feel is pain, he may not be able to describe what he feels. If one were to try to touch his eye area in the effort to soothe it, you would most likely see him wince if he is feeling pain. My mom could not talk but if someone moved her or bumped her she would wince, even in the very end stage...everyone is different.. Is there a way to have this other guy kept not only from your husband but from others. He will hurt someone else too. Your husband still has the where with all to try to defend himself.
You have to be careful with this fighting. The same thing happened to my hb when he was in a facility and they removed the other guy but you never know what they are capable of doing especially with dementia. I would ask the staff to have him removed from the facility for your hb's safety and peace of mind not to mention yours. If they refuse I would report it to the authorities.