Forgive me if I sound a bit automated with this written recap. The accompanying video clip will tell you the additional information you need to know.
Unbelievably, it was nearly a week ago that my father was transported by ambulance from Sunrise Assisted Living to Botsford Hospital’s Geriatric Psychiatric Ward for Involuntary Admittance by the State after repeated bouts of aggression and physical violence at the nursing home. Apparently, this is a new stage he’s at in which you never know when the aggression is going to rear its ugly head. Our family and friends have never personally witnessed one of these full-blown outbursts.
Dad was initially transported to Botsford last Tuesday afternoon and he wasn’t allowed visitors until Thursday evening when Mom and Frank Jr. went. Mom then went back on Friday, only to be told that Dad was tranquilized and in isolation and that it had taken 3 security guards to hold him down for the tranquilizer shot. The next day, I visited Dad at the Psychiatric Ward for my first time and I left with a heavy heart.
The few positive things I can tell you about this experience is that, first and foremost, the point of the hospital admittance is so that Dad can be strictly observed while his meds are tweaked until we discover the magical combination of drugs to return him to a calmer, happier, more peaceful state of mind. Also, when we visit and explain to him why he is there, he agrees he should be there, he shows a heroic willingness to want to “get better”, and he can’t stand the thought that he might harm anyone (isn’t that SO much more like him?). Lastly, I had a loving, heartfelt visit with Dad on Sunday – Valentine’s Day. I will never forget that visit with him. It melted my heart with love and helped make up for the sadder visit the day before.
However, it is touch and go and today Dad was in isolation again when visiting hours began. Mom and Frank Jr. were there and were allowed to help Dad out of the isolation room, but I am told that it required a wheelchair and that it took nearly half an hour until he was conscious or aware enough to look them in the eye or respond to them in any way. Before leaving, Mom gave Dad his first shave in a week while Frank Jr. held him up in a chair. Mom says she is getting used to all the drama that seems to endlessly come our way… but I somehow just can’t believe it. Sometimes I can’t believe any of this.
Frankly Speaking: Alzheimer’s 