I am writing this letter as a warning to all caregivers who are looking after a loved one with Alzheimer's.
My husband has Alzheimer's and I have been his sole caregiver for a number of years. My husband was under the care of a program that he went to. Without explaining the details, he ended up wandering the streets of St. Albert, crossing a busy street on a red light. I could not be with him because for some reason I was a source of aggravation to him, which happens sometimes with Alzheimer's patients. I had to rely on others to help me.
The hospital security was called, they couldn't help; the RCMP were called, they couldn't help. They said they couldn't even follow him down the street to ensure his safety! The crisis hotline was called by three people, they couldn't help. Nobody seemed to be able to help my husband and I who were in crisis mode.
Everyone said, if he doesn't want to come with us willingly, we can't do anything. So in the end, I guess, they have no problems allowing a person who cannot think for themselves to wander the city streets of St. Albert. Shame on all of them! Do not expect help when you need it! My suggestion to all is to have a Section 8 in place BEFORE something happens. That is a mental health warrant that is done through the courts so that if your loved one does go wandering, that gives the police the power to help. Could the police not even follow him to ensure my husband's safety? What happened to protect and serve? The only people they are protecting are themselves.
It's all about everyone covering their own backsides now. There is no humanity left in this world! The system has utterly failed me! I pray that it doesn't fail others in my position, but fear it will.
M. Phillips, St. Albert
