T:Drugs	Q:Hi Everyone, Yesterday I attended a meeting dealing with caring in general in the community. The point I wished to put across,  was about the carer's control for a loved one who was incapable of of communicating with medical staff. From my experience I've found <professional_practitioner> and <professional_practitioner> prescribing anti-psychotic drugs as a matter of course to patients with AD,  in <institution>,  <institution> and in their own homes without recourse to their care givers.  In my own case I found this happening and when I discovered I was very upset. As a result I removed my wife from a <institution> I took control by discontinued all medication. My expressed the was,  view that too often the answers to problems were tackled by a sticking a plaster solutions,  instead of tackling the underlying causes.  Imagine my shock to discover while watching the late evening news to find my worst fears confirmed. A Government ordered review had found that about <num> people with dementia are wrongly being prescribed powerful anti-psychotic medication which cause around <num> deaths a year! These drugs are administered for: agitation,  aggression,  wandering and shouting.  I have said before on this site If someone put me in a <institution> against my will,  I sure as hell would be aggressive and agitated as for wandering; I'd run away as fast as my feet could carry me. In my wife's final <time_period> there were times she had to be rushed to <institution> and on each occasion I insisted on taking her home as soon as she was treated,  often against <professional_practitioner>'s advice. I'd be scared to stay in <institution> if I could still walk; I'd be inclined to escape! How much more so a scared an AD patient would feel in that situation?Hi  <name>, I'm pleased to learn that <name> is there for you. Our daughter <name> is and has been my rock through these trying <time_period>. I wish you well and may your God go with you.   <name>	A:I'm very picky about the meds I'm given & refuse many.  I do take <medicine>(<medicine>) but that's it.  I did take <medicine> for a time & it worked but the next time it caused me breathing problems so I quit that. Thank heaven I still know whats going on & can tell the <professional_caregiver> yes or no about medications. 


A: <name>, From what I understand,  you have a medical background and the best thing I believe is that you retain control of your life as best as you can. You are doing a wonderful job in helping others on this site.  <day> morning I received a copy in the post of the the meeting of the Officers of the <institution> with Members of the Alzheimer's Society,  held on <date>. It concerned the report on the use of anti-psychotics in dementia. It recommended that their use should be reviewed regularly and they should be gradually reduced and stopped whenever the patients' condition allows it.  Your first hand knowledge of this mind stealing illness can prove of great benefit to many people.  I notice that my Book is now available through the Net by keying in Dare to Dream -  <name> ID <num>. I'm not taking any money from it. If any aspect of our story helps that will be payment in itself.  May your God go with you.   <name>


A:Yes I was a <professional_practitioner> licensed with the <location> for <time_period> nearly <time_period>. Many people don't know how to react with someone with dementia, it's like Oh she has no idea what she's saying.  Yes I do STILL!  I have my days though. Thanks for the complement we don't get many of those. 


A: <name>,  You have so much to offer as you are uniquely placed both from a medical and sufferer's point of view. There are times I feel so helpless and sad when I read of the total lack of understanding the fears and frustrations of loved ones suffering with AD. I spent a good deal of time fighting the system on behalf of my wife and in the end gave up and decided to manage on my own. People appear to accept the written word as it relates to the different 'stages'. Had I accepted what <professional_practitioner> and others told me my wife would have died at least <time_period> earlier than she did. No only that,  she would have had an unnecessary painful death.  I still feel very strongly about the way sufferers are being treated and miss understood,  that is why I wrote our story,  in the hope that some care givers receive a different perspective of how their loved ones feel. Emotions are the last of the senses we lose on death. How I wish people could better understand that fact.  Keep up the good fight you have a lot to offer to help care givers better understand the patient's perspective.  May your God go with you.   <name>


A:Once again I see it being reported on the TV news that a survey shows that <num>% of carers are unhappy at the treatment their loved ones with dementia receive in <institution>. It is reported that they are kept in <institution> much longer than other patients with similar problems. This in turn speeds up their their illness. The report also reveals that <num>% of <professional_practitioner> know little or nothing about the treatment or care of AD patients.  This is very upsetting news to me because it is <time_period> since my late wife had a fall from which she broke her arm and walked into <institution>. <time_period> later she was released in a wheelchair unable to walk. During her stay I was in constant conflict with the staff.  As I now reflect,  it's no wonder I chose to reject any 'help' and decided to care for her on my own till her passing.  My story is now available by logging in: Authorhouse.  com Dare to Dream. I sincerely hope that those who reads it benefit from my experiences.  May your God go with you.   <name>


A:Oh my friend how good it is to hv contact . i hope to get you on msn so we can chat. thanks for the valuable info. luvs  <name>. we shared alot of your care giving techniques. i will be reading your story. i hv missed our talks my friend. luvs and blessings.  <name>


A:True but what has that got to do with Alzheimer's? 


A: <name>,  it doesn't. I believe this is a spammer trying to sneak their wares in with their signatures. I alerted the administrator.  


A: <name>. hoping to hear from you again soon you have much valuable input to help others out if you have time my friend. may your God go with you.  <name> n <name>


A:Hoping you do read this my friendi have missed you very much <name>



T:Bringing him home	Q:My father is not doing too well. He is not eating or drinking very much at all. His regular <professional_practitioner> said he is fading away. We have decided to bring him home to live out his last <time_period> with me and my husband. I know it won't be easy. 	A:Hi, I'm sorry to hear that your dad isn't doing well but know that your have lots of support here. It's difficult to lose anyone but more when it is a parent I think. It is spring time a time of new life for some that is a comfort. You are in my thoughts and prayers.  


A:If your father is going to pass away soon at least he will be surrounded by the people that love him. To me that is the best gift you can give him. It is very very hard to watch someone we love die. I speak this from the heart. I was with my Gma when she took her last breath. My heart goes out to you and your family.  


A:Thank ya'll so much. I will keep everyone updated.  


A:I totally agree with  <name>. i was with both mom n dad when they passed. i like believing they knew i was there with them and for just an instant did know i was there. thoughts n prayers are with you.  <name>


A:Hi,  my Daddy is coming home today. I hope everything goes well.  <name>


A:keep us posted ok am sure it will be fine.  <name>. sending good vibes n prayers your way


A:Daddy is at home. He is doing pretty good behavorial wise. But he hasn't eaten anything today. I have offered him different foods but he keeps spitting everything out.  <name>


A:Try to make sure he is getting fluids . does he have fav foods he might eat for you. mom use to eat baby food fruit for me when she wouldnt eat anything else. keep us posted.  <name>


A:I have been away this week. I am so sorry that your dad is worse. I hope that things will improve at home.  Bless your heart.   <name>


A: <name>,  I am not sure what brought me to the forum today. I have not posted since my fathers passing in <month>. It is so difficult for a daughter to lose a father. I lost mine in <month> after his <time_period> battle with Alzheimer's. You are doing a very courages thing by bringing him home. My father passed away in his home with all of his children and wife surrounding him. Even though this is a very difficult time,  for you as well as you father,  it is a time you will never forget. Remember to stay close to him,  look him in they eye,  talk to him,  really show him that he is loved. I miss my father every day,  but also try to think of him looking down on all of us with a clear mind,  and he is truly happy.  I wish you well on this journey.   <name>


A:Just checking in hun to see how you are doingis yr dad eating anything at all. what about ensure drinks n puddingskeeping you in thoughts n prayerslike  <name> i was with both mom n dad till the endi know they are looking down on me and are now with peace <name>
