We all know Tony by now. He and Maura have been living with Alzheimer's for 10 years. He spends a few hours resting in a Recliner chair, dozing and gazing out into the garden. He does wander out to the garden at times. In the last few weeks, he has fallen twice while been assisted to the bathroom by Maura. Maura needed to call her neighbour next door to help get Tony up from the floor. Visits to the GP confirmed no broken bones. The Public Health Nurse is talking about a hoist to assist with transferring.
Tony’s son Gerald is home from America. He was unaware of the deterioration in his dad and gives the ultimatum that ‘it’s time that Dad goes into a Nursing home’. He asks ‘How many times does Dad have to fall to realise that you cannot do this anymore? ‘. Gerald thinks that his mother is at the limits of her ability to care for his Father at home.
Maura’s heart is broken. She cannot think straight. She is exhausted. She knows she isn’t coping well. She hasn’t told anyone that some years ago, both Tony and herself discussed going into a Nursing Home. They promised each other that they would look after each other in their own home.
- What do you think of Gerald’s approach?
- In what way could Gerald communicate better with Maura?
- Do you think that Gerald should have a meeting about Tony’s care? Who could or should attend this meeting?
- Do you think this would help Maura? In what way?
Consider Tony's situation and the questions posed. We would be grateful if you could click 'Reply' below and write up your thoughts.