Quote:
Originally Posted by asagaai
My father was a boxer in the Royal Navy and got out of chores by being in the boxing team. Back in those times they did not use headgear and had inappropriate disproportionate weight match ups- result he took too many hits to the head.
He now has a form of dementia flowing from this trauma, and his short term memory is nil. He started becoming unable to control his aggression and assaulted a couple of people over a squabble over car parking and garden watering in an old age village.
The Police were good and mercifully did not prosecute, and end result he has been placed in a high care dementia nursing home-and although he was a hard mean man I still find it very confronting visiting him in what is a hospital ward prison. I now just get out of that place by taking him to Nobbys beach where he can sit and look at ships because he remembers the smell of the ocean and remembers ships.
I know I never want to exist like this. Speaking to my brother my plan is when that end stage comes visiting me to sit on my balcony looking at Lake Macquarie during sunset, consume certain magic pills and then down a few bottles of red and peacefully and happily pass looking at the beautiful world.
Politicians should pull their fingers out and enact legislation to enable humans to decide their time and mode of passing, so it is humane and dignified, with appropriate safeguards in place.
|
We have had a similar expierience with having to put Dad into a secure Dementia ward about 12 months ago now. His wandering was out of control and he would lash out, sometimes with a knife. Our concern at the time was for Mums safety, and that of Dad who really didn't know what he was doing. This was not Dad, he wasn't a violent person. Dementia truely sucks.
I know as well, that i would never want to exist like this. I've often thought that if i'm at risk of getting Dementia, or another life ending Cancer, that i'd like to exit through the door of my choosing. Best i pull my finger out and start doing something about it, research the options, and let loved ones know of my wishes.
In regards to Dementia, there's an online course that i would strongly recomend. "Understanding Dementia". Entry closes March 31st. It's a "MOOC", (Massive Open Online Course) and is through the Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre. Free and very informative.