A real life Alzheimer's melodrama.

A crisis. With my Alzheimer-riddled friend Ron. His son-in-law had to fetch him. At the nursing home. And bring him home. Because he got ‘violent.’ With a nurse’s aide. Claims he twisted her arm behind her back. I suspect the $10-an-hour aide is poorly trained. Without a clue. On dealing  with Ron and other Alzheimer patients. Anyway, Ron’s daughter is upset. Distraught, in fact. Doesn’t know what to do next. There’s no way that her husband wants to bring Ron back into their home again. After having him there for five years. But Ron's back anyway. For overnight. The plan is to take him to a hospital today. For evaluation. By Alzheimer specialists. And for advice over the next move. I took Ron for a lengthy walk Saturday afternoon. And cajoled him. I know how to handle him. It’s easy calming him down. And I'm only an amateur.  Unfortunately, nursing homes are poorly staffed. Really, with little desire to deal with the most complicated Alzheimer behaviors.  It’s a shame. Almost a crime. Costing $10,600 a month. For Ron’s nursing home care. For that kind of money, the nursing home should provide specialized one-on-one care. Whenever necessary. I’m  suggesting  an alternative. Hiring a reasonably trained couple. For $7,000 a month. To take care of Ron full-time. Perhaps in the couple's home. Imagine. That’s $82,000 a year.  And that would be $3,600 a month cheaper than the nursing home. I keep wondering. Are there any takers? For $82,000 a year. Plus expenses.  Imagine that. You’d think there would be all kinds of qualified care-givers. Willing to take on the responsibility for $82,000 a year. If not. Up the ante to $100,000. It’d still be cheaper and perhaps far more effective  than the nursing home. Meanwhile, the Ron Saga continues. Yes, it’s a real life Alzheimer’s melodrama. –Jim Broede