[earthangel1]

Last night the man with Alzheimer's I was taking care of started throwing the f bomb at me while I was trying to give him his medications. He wouldn't swallow and I told him I would call his daughter if he didn't take his medications. I take care of him on 3 24 hour shifts during the weekend. After He took the meds, I went into the kitchen to make dessert as he doesn't eat much. He came in and threw a full can of coca cola at my head and I ducked. I locked myself in the bathroom and he went around slamming doors and breaking things. I called my boss up on the emergency number and she said to "go out and politely ask him to stop." I told her this was my last night here. I went to bed and in the middle of the night he came in yelling expletives at me and he claimed I stole his cough medicine. I calmly showed him where his cough medicine was, and he calmed down and went back to bed. It's 6:30 AM and I leave at 10:30 this morning. So I am still a little fearful, and honestly a little traumatized. I haven't been this fearful in a long time and it's making me sick to my stomach and keeping popping klonipin. My pdoc told me last week I should drop the job. I had to come in this weekend though. It has been a hell of a ride and I feel depressed. It's one thing working in a nursing home or homeless shelter with people with AD or dementia, because you can ask staff support and diffuse the situation. But this is different. I'm stuck with him 24 hours 3 days a week. And it's just not healthy for my mental health. I'm absolutely done with this. I've had enough.

[gayleggg]

It sounds like you made a good choice. That can't be good for your mental health. No one should have to put up with that. Bless you for doing it as long as you did.

[leejosepho]

I hope all is well for you during these last few hours there, and may the record always show the fine job you have done!

[bizi]

Youu are right.
you have to look after your mental health.
If they can afford 24 hour care they can afford to place him in a nursing home locked unit with STAFF to care for him.
(((((HUGS))))
bizi

[ComfortablyNumb5]

Wow. Out of all my horrific stories in the medical field, I think this takes the cake! You're doing the right thing for yourself by leaving. I would of been so scared and probably would of called the cops lol. Good luck to you and hopefully your next patient isn't as bad.

your mental health should always come first

if you have to leave the job, try not to feel bad about it.

try and look at all the good you have done

[Moose72]

You don't need that type of stress every day.

[Wild Coyote]

Good for you!

This job is too dangerous-- in more ways than one!

Your welfare must come first.

I hope you have since calmed from the trauma.


WC