To the publisher: I read this article with sadness and anger (“As dementia increases, experts warn that hospitals are not ready,” April 20). Last month, my husband died after an eight -year fight against dementia. After a bad fall at home, he was transported unconscious to our local hospital emergency room where he spent three days.
Meanwhile, the administrators on several occasions told me several times that patients with dementia did not belong to the emergency room. I was also told that he could not be treated in an ordinary hospital bed, despite the fact that he had not regained consciousness. His insurance company authorized a stay in a qualified nursing establishment. The problem was that there was not a single bed available in qualified nursing in the county of Ventura.
Let it penetrate. It was finally suggested to move my husband in a memory care establishment with a level of care that could welcome him with support for palliative care. Without other option, I wrote a check for this installation for almost $ 14,000. My husband died 16 days later without ever regain consciousness.
The medical system of this country is broken. As your article indicates, it is more profitable for hospitals to reserve beds for patients who will bring higher payments of insurance companies. Patients with dementia are low on the list. Californians who have long -term insurance can be in a brutal awakening regarding the percentage of care in assisted life which will be really covered. Consider my story as a edifying story.
Elizabeth Alexander, ojai
..
To the publisher: This is a subject that seems to be pushed too often on the side. I took care of my mother, who had dementia at sunset, at home until she died. I became so sick myself with dizziness of all stress and I could no longer work. The absence of money and programs to support families who are going through similar tests are a story in itself. Bringing their stories to light is an excellent start.
Angela Ghilarducci, Las Vegas
