This is an open letter to the Minister of Health.Sir, as the child and caregiver of an 89-year-old mother who is inflicted with dementia/Alzheimer's disease, I am concerned, inter alia, about the lack of a specific hospitalisation policy regarding geriatric patients at the public heath institutions in T&T.
About three years ago, I raised this matter in a letter to the ministry and subsequently held an official conversation with a MOH representative about it. I expressed my unease with the policy that only paediatric patients are allowed close relatives to remain with them during their stay at the hospital to assist with their care.
The representative highlighted possible problems that could arise in implementing such a policy. However, in my view, those difficulties pale in comparison with the comfort that can be brought to the hospitalised elderly, if the policy is implemented.
My position was, and still is, that geriatric patients, especially those who are physically and/or mentally challenged, should be afforded similar treatment to that of paediatrics.
W Williams
via e-mail