Page 32 - issue
P. 32
TO THE EDITOR, strange and disheartening that, as a rather than for those struck down. It
I would like to comment on your society, once a friend or a loved one is seems that after the initial blow has
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the over-
recent article and letters to the editor whelming reaction is to feel primary been absorbed, we are very quick to
about the daunting challenge to families sympathy for the spouse and family diminish, and then sever,
when a member has dementia. I think it emotional connections with
those losing their short-term
memory. For many of us, half a
man is no man at all.
Why is that? Why are we so
quick to run? Because we feel
helpless or because we come to
believe that our loved one is gone?
And what impact does that aversion
have on the care of those afflicted with
Alzheimer’s?
It is as though we conclude that if
Mom doesn’t recognize me, then I
won’t recognize her. Perhaps this is why
only about 15% of people living in
dementia units receive regular visitors.
As a culture, we are quick to saw off
the branch, even when we are standing
on it.
It is of course a bitter and madden-
ing challenge as to what our model of
care should look like for someone with
dementia. Today, we have two models:
institutional care and a more ambi-
MOajpesekinresHLiigdohSetunuren7cfsre:de3s-eah03ym-,08ieM0n:n1t7sa5wrWBpcillh.mabSe1ltsr9tearitvmhedmoorreeA!ve
Under the direction of Rabbi Raphael Mendlowitz. Experienced staff and Rabbeim
301-928-0646 campmarabu@aol.com www.campmarabu.com
301-681-3411
u www.wherewhatwhen.com u
24
I would like to comment on your society, once a friend or a loved one is seems that after the initial blow has
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the over-
recent article and letters to the editor whelming reaction is to feel primary been absorbed, we are very quick to
about the daunting challenge to families sympathy for the spouse and family diminish, and then sever,
when a member has dementia. I think it emotional connections with
those losing their short-term
memory. For many of us, half a
man is no man at all.
Why is that? Why are we so
quick to run? Because we feel
helpless or because we come to
believe that our loved one is gone?
And what impact does that aversion
have on the care of those afflicted with
Alzheimer’s?
It is as though we conclude that if
Mom doesn’t recognize me, then I
won’t recognize her. Perhaps this is why
only about 15% of people living in
dementia units receive regular visitors.
As a culture, we are quick to saw off
the branch, even when we are standing
on it.
It is of course a bitter and madden-
ing challenge as to what our model of
care should look like for someone with
dementia. Today, we have two models:
institutional care and a more ambi-
MOajpesekinresHLiigdohSetunuren7cfsre:de3s-eah03ym-,08ieM0n:n1t7sa5wrWBpcillh.mabSe1ltsr9tearitvmhedmoorreeA!ve
Under the direction of Rabbi Raphael Mendlowitz. Experienced staff and Rabbeim
301-928-0646 campmarabu@aol.com www.campmarabu.com
301-681-3411
u www.wherewhatwhen.com u
24
