Baroness Warnock comments on Dementia

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Fri, October 03, 2008

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In a recent article out of the UK, Baroness Warnock known as the "moral philosopher" stated that she hopes people will soon be "licensed to put others down" who have become a burden on the health care system. She went on to say that anyone with dementia had the responsibility to commit suicide because of the burden they are on their families and society.

As groups across the United States work together for the improvement in long-term care and for the care of our elderly, we must insist that remarks and "philosophies" such as those are never instituted.

The culture of care across the country, especially in Alzheimer's centers, has moved toward a "person centered" approach. This approach is defined as caring for the person as an individual not a disease. The experts in the field of Alzheimer's care believe that every person has the right to experience all of the core needs and that these fundamental rights do not end until life ends. The person's value as an individual does not diminish despite any cognitive impairments.

We at Alzheimer's Care Group have worked hard to be a catalyst for culture change in long-term care. We have witnessed laughter, tears, joy, and sadness...Life that is occurring in nursing homes, adult daycare, and home settings all across the country. Those experiences are not valued any less because they happened with someone who had impaired cognition.

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Sue

10/ 3/08 4:13pm

Thanks so much for this post though I have to admit it is extremely disturbing to know this is being said about fellow human beings.

I suspect many of our members would be interested in reading the full content of the article which quotes this woman. I'd encourage you to post this in a reply comment here for all to investigate. As well, if you have more information on your group's website that you would like to share, please add that too.

All the best, sue (moderator)

Connie Moore

10/ 5/08 10:18am

I can't believe any one could even consider this as an option. It is an insult to an intelligent so called society, just because the person you know and love develops this disease you don't get rid of them you don't just house them some where. I know I am living with and caring for the man I love. Yes my life is difficult yes I don't sleep much No we can't do the things we could before but he is still the love of my life and I will do any thing I can to make the rest of his life as happy and pain free as possible but to be so selfish as to consider something like that is not possible. I believe God put us all here for a reason and we are tested and tried each day with alzheimers it is almost impossible to live with watching someone you love go through this, one of the most difficult things you will ever face. Even when they don't remember you and even when they get angry it is still the same person you said in good health and sickness til death do you part you do not take it in your own hands to end it. How could you, as the old saying goes nobody promised you a rose garden. I am thankful for each and every second of everyday I share with the love of my life, if I have to be the memory keeper of that love alone then so be it at least I have him and I will always cherish our true love story maybe it isn't the happily ever after i had dreamed of but it is and will be one of the truest and greatest love stories I dreamed of as a child, and no one has the right to end it until God says it is over. Living with Alzheimers and a true love story.Connie

Bruce Buckles

10/17/08 2:44pm

Ms. Warnock should more appropriately be referred to as the "amoral philosopher" for those who do not hold human life to be of infinite and sacred value. For those who do hold such values, she would more appropriately be referred to as the "immoral philosopher". Her views and perspectives would have done well with the Nazi government of Hitler or with Stalin of the Soviet Union. Unfortunately, under the banner of compassion, euthanasia and "dignity and assistance in dying"-aka "physician assited suicide" are being pushed as "moral" alternatives. Her "hope" in this matter is devoid of hope and dignity. Her viewpoint is patently offensive to all that is decent and good in this world. May somehow, and in someway, she quickly experience and be transformed by mercy and grace.

Baroness Warnock comments on Dementia

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