It was horrible to see my dad fall. He had good care, but the staff wasn't there to keep an eye on him at all times. And he would be full of energy one minute, and literally fall asleep while standing up the next. The staff and I agreed that there were risks in whatever we did. But the total hysteria that resulted when there was any attempt to physically restrain him was too hellish to bear. And drugs were not the answer. Attention to need was and is the answer. And recognizing that he had rights and could make choices was also part of the answer.

Yes, he was vulnerable, but he had rights. Everyone should be able to make some choices. And when they are terrified because they are restrained in some way, then they have made a choice to be without restraints. With most choices there is risk. It‘s the responsibility of the caregivers to keep dementia patients as safe as possible. But there will be times when things happen. Finding some kind of a balance is about all we can do.

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