I sit here with salty tear stains on my cheeks and I just want to scream. I know life isn't fair and I know life never really gave my Dad a break, but sometimes I just want to scream, "It isn't FAIR!"
A few weeks ago, the staff at the Psych Ward started talking to us about his discharge. It was pretty evident that the VA home was not going to re-accept him, and I was pretty calm about it. (We always knew that was a strong possibility.) My mom on the other hand was fuming over the phone every time we talked about it. I honestly felt overwhelmed... I didn't have the time or energy to fight this. It takes time to drive to West LA... and babysitters cost money... and getting the right person on the phone is almost impossible... and when I do talk to the right person, I never get a straight answer... and let's not forget that I have my own life!
What imploded my attitude of 'calm acceptance' was the arrival of Dad's MediCal application. Since he has no money, Dad will need to apply for MediCal and that will pay for his new home. I spent the last 3-4 years getting to know the ins and outs of the VA system. We waited 2 1/2 years to get Dad in the VA home. We planned and we were organized, and now we have to start all over with a new system I know nothing about.
Well, Mom, now both of us are fuming (or crying and screaming).
Talking this morning, we feel that we need to exhaust every resource to keep him in the VA home. We don't feel comfortable with anything less. I just got off the phone with two VA Social Workers. I managed to keep it together when I spoke to the Social Worker from the home, and he was receptive to having the Doctor look back over Dad's file now that he seems to be less aggressive. The second Social Worker basically just listened to my concerns and then told me to fill out the MediCal form asap. That's when I started crying on the phone. I really tried to keep it together, but no such luck.
The bottom line is this: Dad has Alzheimer's. All of his behavioral issues and motor functions are affected by Alzheimer's. So, for the VA ALZHEIMER'S home to kick Dad out because he is aggressive or because he lost the ability to walk and has a restraint around his stomach keeping him from falling out of his chair -- is UNFAIR. It's all a part of Alzheimer's. And that is why we are fuming.
On another note, we are once again participating in The Long Beach Walk to End Alzheimer's. And team "UpsidetoDementia" is fired up! Click on the link to learn more, to register, or to donate to end this disease! Kristen's Walk Page
