Teri Sellers
Individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia experience memory loss, inability to recognize their family, friends or familiar places. They can also become irrational, confused and combative as a fearful response to perceived dangers happening around them. Often these challenging behaviors are directed at the family caregiver. Late afternoon and into the nighttime hours, a condition known as “Sun-Downing” commonly occurs. Verbal or physical aggressiveness is common, resulting in 911 calls.
I met with Sergeant Justin Hughes of the Goodyear Police Department. He is the Mental Health Liaison for the Police Department, and one of the coordinators of the West Valley Crisis Intervention Team or CIT. I learned that the Goodyear Police Department exceeds the national average for trained officers in crisis intervention. They also take a proactive approach to ensuring officers have the awareness, training, skills and resources necessary to effectively deal with crisis situations.
According to Sergeant Hughes, although CIT training does include training on Alzheimer’s and dementia, he is constantly seeking professionals with whom to build working relationships. His goal is to bring more in-depth and focused training and resources for the first responders. As the President for the Alzheimer’s Caregivers Group in PebbleCreek and a healthcare professional, it’s my goal to make a difference in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s/dementia. After meeting with Sergeant Hughes, we have established a new partnership and will be working together to ensure that Goodyear Police Officers have the resources and support available to them when responding to the needs of Goodyear residents.
We created these guidelines to assist in the event a 911 call needs to be made:
*Always reach out for help if a loved one has become agitated or aggressive and if there is a fear of harm to themselves or others.
*If the situation becomes violent, go to a safe place such as a locked bedroom or bathroom.
*When calling 911, make it known that the loved one is suffering from a mental illness, Alzheimer’s or dementia.
*Tell the 911 operator the details of the incident and the reason for the call.
*Stay on the phone with the 911 operator until officers arrive. The 911 dispatcher will guide the caller.
*Tell the officers or medical personnel about any mental health concerns, Alzheimer’s or dementia that have been diagnosed. This will assist first responders in taking the most appropriate course of action and to provide the best service. Remember, many brain illnesses have similar characteristics and symptoms. It is important that the first responders know exactly which brain illness has been diagnosed.
*Supply a list of prescribed medications to the first responders.
*Supply a list of doctors, clinicians or other professionals.
*In many cases, the loved one may need to be transported to a hospital or care center, for their own safety or that of others in the home. If there is a preferred hospital or care center, advise the first responders.
We are very fortunate to live in Goodyear where the Police Department is doing its very best to meet the needs of the residents. Sergeant Hughes has given permission to contact him directly by email at [email protected].
Contact Teri Sellers at 602-793-0299 for more information or to join the Caregivers Group.