Expert: Michalene Peticca - 10/1/2009

Question
Once again, we have been told that my father needs to be placed somewhere else because the staff/facility can't handle his aggressive behavior.  He has been in this facility, a skilled nursing facility with a separate rememberance unit, for the past 2 1/2 years.  He was placed there after being sent to a behavioral unit at a local hospital from his prior facility.   After spending 2 months at the hospital undergoing shock therapy among other treatments, we scrambled to find some place to take him.  We thought we had found it with the current as we were assured they could handle him until he passed.  He is considered a level 7 alzheimer's patient but if a skilled nursing facility can't handle
him, where are we to turn?  We contacted the alzheimer's association locally and they are sending names/brochures of facilities we can check.   This is such a grueling process for
our family especially my aging mother to get our hopes up that we've found somewhere and reassured that the facility can handle my father only to be told later that he needs to be moved.   He can't be the only person like this - are there places that handle level 7s?  I'm skeptical about group homes if professionals at skilled nursing facilities won't/can't handle him.  HELP!!

Answer
Hi Peggy,

I am so sorry about your father!  That is so undignified for him and for your family, but a common aspect of Alzheimer's disease.  

I would certainly ask to speak to the HR director or DON about what TRAINING they provide on a yearly basis for their staff that care for Alzheimer's / Dementia individuals.   Many times i've
experienced what you have - the product, but not the training.

I am also still shocked at the resurgence of the use of shock therapy.   It does nothing but "kill" parts of the brain; thereby, making other parts more prominent.  I cannot see the value of it's usage.  

All i can say is that you strongly check out the credentialing of the staff and i wish you the best of luck!

Best Regards.
Michalene Peticca, MA