Has anyone ever been verbally abused by an Alzheimers patient?

Question

I knocked on his door to do some cleaning (by his wife's request). She wasnt there (like she was supposed to be) for my first visit. He opened the door and started screaming at me, calling me a b_ _ _ _! among other ugly things. I told him who I was, not sure what to make of all this, and he became even more enraged. I calmly left his doorstep, afraid of being shot in the back, while being called a God d_ _ _

b_ _ _ _ several times. I told my employer that I will never return to that assignment. My employer said it was his Alzheimers causing this behavior. Is this true? Could the disease cause him to physically harm someone in that state of rage? I hope she doesnt send another unsuspecting "housekeeper" to his house! Has anyone else ever experienced this horror? Please share your story. Thanks!

Answer 1

I used to help care for my former husband's grandma. Even though she knew me and loved me before she became ill, she called me horrible names, the nicest being that B_ _ _ _. It hurt me but I knew it wasn't really her talking.........                                            

Answer 2

I've never come across anyone with alzheimers, but I have read that theres different stages, and at a moderate stage people begin to lose control of their impulses, and they do a lot of other weird things. They get delusional and suspicious or paranoid. Alzheimers is just a really sad disease :(

Answer 3

He didn't even know who you were.  He probably thought you were his 23 year old wife.  They do that.  They are delusional.  It is a HORRIBLE condition that I wouldn't wish on anyone.  You just have to know that he wasn't really addressing you, even though he was talking with you.  

Answer 4

That behavior if part of the condition

-The problem is with you  --If you can't deal with it in a professional manner you need to seek other employment

Answer 5

This is a mentally degenerative disease. They are angry and don't really know what they are saying and or doing.

Don't take it personally, they have no control over they actions. Nor do they understand what they are saying or who they are saying it to.

Answer 6

Yes, unfortunately people with AZ can believe you are someone else, and intensely misinterpret social situations. Most AZ pts are not so belligerent.

I think for safety's sake however, with this particular pt you have the right to demand that his care taker or nurse remain at the place and deal with him (or better yet take him somewhere for lunch, etc) that way you don't have to deal with him. It takes specialized training to deal with violent and/or belligerent pts and you should not have to be placed in that situation because its dangerous for both of you..be sympathetic but firm...no care provider..no service..end of story..

Good luck

ganldoc