Stop abusing our elders

I work with people of all ages, but mostly those over the age of 50.

I see people in all stages of life including the end of life and often times in distress. Mostly in distress because they are having trouble hearing and I can usually help with that.

Yesterday I saw one of our elders fast asleep in their chair when I went to the waiting room to get them. No biggie, that happens quite often. But, they had to be aroused awake just to walk back to see me. Then as we went through the appointment which had to be cut short, they went back to sleep to the point of arms hanging on the sides of the chair and head hanging. They had to be shaken awakened at least 3 or 4 times. The family says that this is the worse they have ever seen them and it was certainly the worst for me. I tried my best not to cry during the appointment, although I can't stop the tears now.

It appears that this person is being over medicated. I know this is not a new phenomenon, but it is new to me and my patients. I know that working in the nursing home is hard work where there is little pay and little recognition of the hard work it takes to care for our elders. I also recognize that until something is said, the abuse and neglect will go on. It is often times not the fault of the workers --- nurses, aides and doctors -- it is the fault of management who takes money from the families and the insurance companies and doesn't use it to actually care for the patients, but to line their pockets.

I'm gonna do my part and report what I saw. I hope that this person will get the continued care they need. I also hope that we find better ways to care of this vulnerable group of people.

Comments

be like water | erev rosh hashana d'var 5785

🎶 Be easy, take your time, you are coming home to yourself, coming home to yourself. 🎶 We have gathered at the appointed time to bless the creation of this world. Yet as we gather, we continue to witness the devastation and despair that hurricane helene has left in its wake. And the Israeli govt is expanding its war, destroying homes and families and so many lives that represent entire worlds. and here we are. Some of us feel rage, anxiety, or fear. Some of us are feeling discouraged, lonely or even uncertain what to feel. And some of us are feeling grateful for this opportunity to gather with beloveds or excited for the possibilities that can come as the new year is finally upon us. And i am sure that there is a mixture of some or all of these feelings. whatever and however you feel is just right and is welcome here. may it be so that this ritual, this spiritual technology that we have been gifted with, gives you just what you need right here and right now. 🎶Be easy, take your t

Hope and Change

We live in a dangerous time. It continues to be unsafe to walk in this world and hold any of the identities I have. We can try on the fact that while I drove to Mizzou a few weeks ago, I drove under the speed limit as my friend and I half jokingly said, "we don't want to become road kill on the way." What a sick thought to hold. But it was in my brain and it is because I and many others like me have been absolutely terrorized by the state violence that continues every few hours here in america. As a Jew, I can catch hell from all sides. You got the folks who just hate Jews on GP. Then you have those who can seem well meaning in their attempts to disagree with what is happening in Israel but are indeed anti-Semitic. Then you have the Jews who consider themselves to be white who act like Jews of Color don't and have never existed and shouldn't have a voice. I think they tick me off the most. As a Trans person, I have yet to remotely find a safe place outsid

28 days --- 56 ways to be Young, Gifted and Black: Mimi Borders

How do you spend your days? I love days that give me room to breathe and reflect. Typically, I am really busy with school work, research and extra-curricular activities. But this semester I am studying at the University of Ghana and I have more flexibility and control over my time. I do mindfulness meditations in the morning, yoga, write and daydream. Daydreaming is one of my favorite things to do - and it doesn't always have to be a solitary activity. I love dreaming out loud with my friends talking about how we want (WILL) to change the world, the places we will travel, the books we will write, how we will liberate ourselves and our communities. I drink a lot of water during the day and usually get sad at some point thinking about what is currently happening in the USA but I try and write myself out of the dark cloud. What brings you joy? My family is profoundly incredible. My parents are compassionate, emotionally intelligent people that always have uplifted an

The fantastic adventures of Koach Baruch

Search This Blog