My father has been confused lately and has been showing signs of dementia. His GP referred him to be seen at an appointment for the elderly. He was to be assessed and have an ECG.
At the appointment my father was told to remove his clothes. All of his tests, for example pushing against the nurse's hand with his foot to check strength, we're done when he was naked. He remained naked for the ECG with no sheet and no pillow. When my mother was brought in the curtain was drawn so she didn't know he was left in this demeaning state until afterwards.
While he was behind the curtain my mother was interviewed about his confused state. She didn't know he was behind the curtain and able to hear every word.
He also told her later that he was given an injection in his thigh. He didn't know what it was for and when she asked they wouldn't tell her.
Losing my father to dementia is hugely distressing for both my parents as he knows enough to know it's happening and she is caring for him. They needed reassurance, help with depression and options for respite, instead they left distressed, afraid and angry.
"My parents needed reassurance"
About: Liberton Hospital / Integrated Older People's Service, Day Hospital Liberton Hospital Integrated Older People's Service, Day Hospital EH16 6UB NHS Lothian NHS Lothian Edinburgh EH16 4SA
Posted by HJ (as ),
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