My lovely spouse has dementia. Unfortunately, they have needed to go into care. I have found the processes for altering their medical treatment very strange and frustrating.
It appears that, initially, they were allocated a GP - without my consultation. The doctors at SCGH had apparently determined the best medicines for my spouse. I found my spouse was confused and drowsy all the time and I wanted to get their medication reviewed. As they had been referred to the Older Adult Mental Health (OAMH) for continued management, nothing was done until the psychiatrist from OAMH had reviewed my spouse. However, this was just the beginning.
It turns out that the process is:
1. Reviewed by the specialist - OAMH
2. Specialist sends recommendations to the aged care facility
3. Aged care facility passes the “recommendations” to the GP
4. GP writes the prescriptions
5. Prescriptions sent to the chemist
6. Medication finally received by the aged care facility.
This process takes nearly 2 weeks. In the meantime, my spouse is still stressed out, agitated, scared, etc. In my opinion, this is not a humane way to treat anyone, let alone a person with cognitive decline.
This has happened twice now. I believe the first time was not an aberration.
What’s more, is that it seems the GP can ignore the specialist's advice. My understanding is that my spouse belongs to the GP.
"Medical support in aged care facility"
About: Craigcare Craigcare Ardross 6153 Older Adult Mental Health Ward 10A/10B/10C Older Adult Mental Health Ward 10A/10B/10C Bentley 6102 Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital / Emergency Department Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Emergency Department Nedlands 6009
Posted by Carer1950 (as ),
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