Poor Treatment of Elderly Relative - Suggestions?

Mojisola

slink85 wrote: »

on the other hand, why would a perfectly capable senior person need to have someone in their appointment with them?

Before I was a senior, I would get my OH to come to some appointments because, when you're not well, you don't take in information so well and don't remember things so well.

As I've got older, I find it very useful to have someone else in with me, just like I used to do with my parents.

sheramber

(can't hear a thing on the phone) and can't see to write a letter.

Perhaps his records are noted that he is blind and deaf and as you accompanied him the nurse assumed you were there to speak for him.

If you don't want male a formal complaint then I think the only solution would be to speak directly to the nurse and explain that your relative would prefer that she address him directly in. future

marliepanda

There may have been some confusion, especially as you say he is almost blind and deaf.

She may have thought she misheard as it seems an odd request for someone who is very nearly blind to ask someone to look at them when speaking, as clearly lip reading to help understanding wouldn't be possible?

pendragon_arther

daytona0 wrote: »

I can't see why this is bad?


Nurses are overworked, and have to deal with A LOT of elderly people day in day out (I have similar experience). They are probably going into autopilot mode when they hear the words "almost blind and pretty deaf". Can't blame them for speaking to the person there who looks like they are supporting their relative.

Rude or not, I'd rather deal with you than your "almost blind and pretty deaf" relative SIMPLY BECAUSE I would want to limit the number of misunderstandings and ensure that the best level of support is given. That's not a bad thing....


Try speaking on the phone to a large number of 75+ year olds who are having problems adjusting to new technology (against their will) and who are actually distressed over it. Add in the occasional deafness, confusion and isolation and things get a bit dicey

Lots of people are overworked in the health industry but you learn to deal with it. I've known a fair few nurses and some have an 'attitude'. I once cut my finger and had to go to Kingston A&E where the three nurses in reception were glued to their pc screen as I told them of my accident and barely looked up and I am relatively fit. No, I didn't chastise them as this could have made the matter worse and they could have made me wait longer than the 3 hours I had to.