Posted 7-31-19
Mom’s new wing has all sorts of characters, many of whom have dementia, but dementia isn’t their most imminent threat to life and limb. One such fella I will call Yosemite Stan. This hombre is stuck in a wheelchair and is NOT happy about it. In fact, he is not happy about much of anything and flies into fits of rage like his namesake, Yosemite Sam, but his rant tends toward the R Rating. Zoinks Scoob…the poor man has a serious potty mouth. The sad thing is, you can tell by looking at him that he used to be someone super important and likely was nothing like this. He also tends toward the physical too and has been sent to behavioral health time out multiple times, not because of his anxiety but the others, but to no avail.
Dealing with angry patients is very hard. It is hard for the nurses who may be whacked, and hurt, at any time. It is hard for the fellow residents who don’t like loud sounds and disruptions. It is hard for the poor patient who has a broken filter and the rage just dumps straight into the coffee cup where all will drink. Meds can help, but sadly the “best” fix is that the disease eventually runs its course and slows down the gunslinger until they are just like the rest.
Terribly sad disease even if it is only one problem for the patient. 🙁
Update: Another good day for mom. She is much sleepier than she was a few months ago, but her rash is subsiding and she is generally at peace despite the sounds and fury.
#EndALZ