To the editor: I learn this text with unhappiness and anger (“As dementia charges enhance, consultants warn hospital ERs aren’t prepared,” April 20). Final month, my husband died after an eight-year battle with dementia. Following a foul fall at house, he was transported unconscious to our native hospital emergency room the place he spent three days.
Throughout that point, I used to be advised repeatedly by hospital directors that dementia sufferers didn’t belong within the ER. I used to be additionally advised that he couldn’t be cared for in a daily 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 accessible in expert nursing in Ventura County.
Let that sink in. It was lastly prompt that I transfer my husband to a reminiscence care facility with a care degree that would accommodate him with hospice help. With no different choice, I wrote a examine 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 deliver larger funds from insurance coverage corporations. Dementia sufferers are low on the listing. Californians who’ve long-term insurance coverage could also be in for a impolite awakening as to the proportion of care in assisted residing that can really be coated. Think about my story a cautionary story.
Elizabeth Alexander, Ojai
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To the editor: This can be a subject that appears to get pushed to the aspect too usually. I cared for my mother, who had sundowners dementia, in her house till she handed away. I obtained so unwell myself with vertigo from all of the stress of it and couldn’t work anymore. The dearth of cash and packages to help households going by related ordeals is a narrative in itself. Bringing their tales to the sunshine is a good begin.
Angela Ghilarducci, Las Vegas
