Of living and dying with Alzheimer's.

For $127,200 a year, one would think that my Alzheimer-riddled friend Ron would get better care. At the nursing home. Such as daily effective one-on-one mental and physical stimulation. He doesn’t. He’s on the decline. Until a family member or friend comes to his rescue. And takes him ‘out’ for a few hours. That does wonders. Ron seems revived and resurrected. For a day or two. Until he gets back into the lethargic routine of sitting around at the nursing home. Maybe watching television. Maybe walking the hallways. On his own.  Nobody takes an hour or two each day to truly stimulate Ron. Because he’s got Alzheimer’s. And virtually everyone is treated alike. As hopeless. And on a steady decline.  Believe me. It doesn’t have to be that way.  Especially for $127,200. Ron and his family are being ripped off. For that kind of money, Ron should be treated like royalty. Like a king. Like the way President Ronald Reagan was treated during his bout with Alzheimer’s. Instead, my friend Ron is treated like riff-raff. Like a hopeless derelict off the streets. Yes, that’s often the sad truth. Of living and dying with Alzheimer’s. –Jim Broede