Gun Control Reform Activism

enough

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42. I think this is the big problem. One can leave all kinds of directives

Fri Mar 29, 2013, 12:02 AM

Mar 2013

and have all sorts of plans. But when dementia takes over, one no longer has the competence or understanding to know what has to be done or to do it. Yet I know of no legal way to write a directive that asks for euthanasia to be carried out when one has reached a certain stage. Many times the person is totally healthy in body, so it's not a medical emergency at all.

I think almost anyone who has cared for a dementia sufferer would like to have a way to say: "When I reach this certain point, I want to opt for assisted suicide." I don't think there is any way to do this legally. It may be that the coming Alzheimer's tsunami will change society's attitude, but probably not fast enough.

The fact is, the only way to do it will be to commit suicide immediately when you get the first sign that it's happening. But how will you KNOW for sure? A horrible dilemma.

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My 93 year old Alzheimer's father pulled a pistol on his caregiver: [View all] nightscanner59 Mar 2013 OP

I am sorry. Really sorry. (((Hugs))) idwiyo Mar 2013 #1

Needless to say, your dad shouldn't have had any firearms whatsoever. NYC_SKP Mar 2013 #2

mom has Alzheimer's & used to threaten, we hid all knives wordpix Mar 2013 #36

I'm so sorry BainsBane Mar 2013 #3

VERY sorry. elleng Mar 2013 #4

How uniquely American. Mika Mar 2013 #5

I will have to remembeer to bring restraints for showing him the latest Jim Carrey installment nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #6

Oh dear! Oh, oh, oh . . . . (shakes head) I don't know what to say . . . . patrice Mar 2013 #7

Will do. Bringing separate residence for me (travel trailer) or my own sanity would end. nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #9

Get rid of the car entirely. AtheistCrusader Mar 2013 #28

Oh, yes a trade in will be tended to near immediately, and keys of whatever only under my control: nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #50

I agree with those who suggest you contact the Altzheimer's Assn. MADem Mar 2013 #51

Yes, my uncle has suggested that as well, thanx for link nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #53

Contact your local Alzheimer's association- Ms. Toad Mar 2013 #35

Thank you for the resource lead, Toad. nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #49

Your comment about local authorities reminded me of another thing Ms. Toad Mar 2013 #70

I am so very sorry--been there, and it is not a good situation. personally, I think your non- niyad Mar 2013 #8

I'm sorry to hear that as someone with a grumpy fortunately unarmed 93-year-old grandfather. ellisonz Mar 2013 #10

My hair stylist, who just turned sixty, announced to me today when I went Cleita Mar 2013 #11

It's what I'm coining "Hestonesque syndrome", how about that? NRA sucks. nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #56

welcome to my world. Bennyboy Mar 2013 #12

I'm just glad dad is at a city residence now. IF nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #55

My 96-year-old father (dementia) literally ran a care-giver out of the house wagging an air rifle indepat Mar 2013 #13

At the risk of seeming just a tad SheilaT Mar 2013 #14

Took them all away from my dad, very early onset. Only in his 60's. AtheistCrusader Mar 2013 #30

It's not all that simple Mopar151 Mar 2013 #32

Well then, isn't it obvious that SheilaT Mar 2013 #48

Actually, syntax error on my part now corrected in OP. See response # 52. nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #58

This is not helpful nor are you fully cognizant of the situation here. You are snap judging. nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #60

Snap judgment? SheilaT Mar 2013 #73

Word. mahina Mar 2013 #78

I hope you are better to the people around you in real life. mahina Mar 2013 #77

Oh, correction as follows. There was a previous non-gun "incident", and brother removed nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #52

Actually, syntax error on my part to be corrected. See response # 52. nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #57

Yes, first official diagnosis and recognition of a defined problem here Sheila. See response #52. nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #59

The problem of firearms in the house with Alzheimer's/dementia sufferers enough Mar 2013 #15

How true! rdharma Mar 2013 #18

Yes, with Alz/dementia there is no way to exaggerate! Nothing can be enough Mar 2013 #22

"until it gets so bad that there's no mind left" rdharma Mar 2013 #23

that's where my mom is, still going with no mind wordpix Mar 2013 #37

It's so sad. rdharma Mar 2013 #40

I beleive it. AtheistCrusader Mar 2013 #33

I think this is the big problem. One can leave all kinds of directives enough Mar 2013 #42

Especially with human perception problems like normalcy bias. AtheistCrusader Mar 2013 #45

Onset was recognized but gradual, and only by family. Alheimer's Dx since tuesday now, officially. nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #62

I've been prepared for this eventuality for some time, actually. Thank you for link. nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #54

He and your whole family are lucky to have you to step in with enough Mar 2013 #76

Sorry to hear that you are giving up your job to do this - but it's the right thing to do. freshwest Mar 2013 #16

That's what I thought. Till I did it. xfundy Mar 2013 #17

Since you don't come back, I won't respond to you. My comment was to the OP. freshwest Mar 2013 #19

xfundy, true post! rdharma Mar 2013 #20

If your father has Alzheimer's a travel trailer won't help you. peace13 Mar 2013 #21

Every case is different. Some do, some don't. AtheistCrusader Mar 2013 #34

Just answered email to brother with suggestion of GPS. matter under consideration. But: nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #61

Sorry. Had to take guns away from my FIL some time ago. Hoyt Mar 2013 #24

This is the stuff nightmares are made of, truly Iwillnevergiveup Mar 2013 #25

Lewis Black says... ReRe Mar 2013 #26

I am 1290 miles away. Brothers have responded, more relatives enroute for temporary care. nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #66

OK... ReRe Mar 2013 #69

I am sorry, nightscanner, and I feel your pain. sheshe2 Mar 2013 #27

Hang tough. You are a solid dude for doing this. zonkers Mar 2013 #29

+1! patrice Mar 2013 #31

You have another option... Spitfire of ATJ Mar 2013 #38

Considered, rejected. nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #63

Do him a favor and turn off FOX "News". Spitfire of ATJ Mar 2013 #72

First nap of the day, channel gets switched, and he fails to even notice, per brother. nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #75

Gawd nightscanner59, I'm really sorry. loudsue Mar 2013 #39

Thanx, Sue, part of my unique ability to deal with dad neccessitates this. nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #74

Yikes! rightsideout Mar 2013 #41

Dear rightsideout, your father sounds a lot like mine. For many years enough Mar 2013 #43

Different problem, but similar exchanges with my dad just over a year ago. nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #64

I hope maybe some intervention organization can help. Anyone have suggestions for rightsideout? nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #65

I think if you have to move in with him to care for him, you should get to choose the news channel. snot Mar 2013 #44

First nap of the day, channel gets switched, and he fails to even notice, per brother. nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #67

Before quitting your job & relocating, look into this: pacalo Mar 2013 #46

Thank you Pacalo nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #68

My mother had dementia related more to sensory deprivation Warpy Mar 2013 #47

Yes, caregiver will be compensated. Kudos to Jim Carrey's timing of his wonderful and timely song. nightscanner59 Mar 2013 #71

Ban Metal Bullets And Only Allow Rubber Bullets FJones3777 Aug 2014 #79

Here we go again....so here's my generic response: Sancho Aug 2014 #80