I have witnessed many instances of neglect in the frail care ward where my stepfather, Maurice Akal, and sister, Kim Drysdale, placed my mum, Dianne Akal.

The following happened under Margie Stella's watch as administrator. Mark Fairbanks is now the new administrator. This all took place in the frail care ward of Alexandra Park in Scottburgh, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

With dementia being diagnosed every three seconds globally this story could be yours or one of your loved ones.

She entered Alexandra Park on 23 October 2019 and was refused medical assistance by both Sister Leanne Roestof and my sister. She sustained cuts and bruises. Sister Roestof began administering high doses of Dopaquel, then Tripelene. No medical examination was conducted by Dr Vach who Sister Roestof appointed as my mum’s new doctor. This was done by telephonic script.

My mum was either slumped in a chair or totally terrified and displaying very bizarre behaviour, including ripping things up with her hands and teeth. She lost control of both her speech and her muscle movement. She had terrified, wild eyes as she could not communicate with me. They still insisted her dementia was this bad. The cruelty and utter inhumanity of this is staggering.

Still they refused to allow me to send a doctor in.

After this I witnessed my mother chewing on her shoes. I assumed her carer placed them on her lap while she was busy on her cell phone. Another doctor was called in on 27 November 2019. Dr Eriksson cut all her medication, diagnosed her and prescribed other meds. The pain she endured from coming off this cocktail of meds was utterly horrific.

Maurice Akal is witness to many of these events. He refused to allow an examination by a respected homeopath before lockdown.

Under the South African Constitution abuse of the elderly is criminal. The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) states that it is unethical to prescribe Dopaquel and Tripelene without a doctor examining a new patient.

There are too many instances of neglect and abusive behaviour for me to mention them all here but other examples include an amputee in her 90s being forgotten and falling into a ditch in her wheelchair.

Many times I found my mum inappropriately dressed and suffering. They denied the pain in her back but now she can hardly walk. My mother is not in good shape. She has deteriorated hugely during lockdown. She is now enormously overweight, wearing nappies, moved in a wheelchair and has eczema. She is currently under the care of Dr Morris. Her eczema is becoming progressively worse. Sister Roestof says her eczema does not bother her. No matter what the condition, the narrative remains the same.

I requested cameras whereby her family can see how she is progressing and being treated. I attach the response from Alexandra Park.

Jul 10, 2020, 11:29 AM (12 days ago) to me, (Akal, (Akal)

Dear Cindy,

I am in receipt of your latest email.

I consulted our Nursing Manager after she investigated your allegations about the manner in which your mother is being clothed.

My first response to you is that we are, of course, quite aware of her incapacity when it comes to dressing herself.

My second response is that I am totally satisfied that your allegations are unfounded and are misplaced.

My third response is that I will not entertain any camera surveillance of any of our Residents and/or our employees by any third party.

Lastly, you are correct, your emails complaining about the care given to your mother and your accusations of incompetence against our employees are endless.

In the circumstances, I can only suggest that you consult with your family members about whether it would not be preferable for your mother to be moved to an alternative frail care facility.

A copy of this email is being forwarded to your father and sister.

In the interim, you are advised that only complaints, accusations and other correspondence received from your father or sister will be responded to.

Any reports or correspondence in relation to your mother’s condition, care or related matters will, henceforth, only be addressed to your father and/or sister.

 

Sincerely,

Mark Fairhead

Administrator

Alex Park, Scottburgh

(039) 976 0133

From: Cindy West [mailto:sacred.gaia@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, 09 July 2020 3:28 PM
To: Mark Fairhead
Subject: Re: Di Akal / REPLY

Good afternoon Mark,

Please can you instruct the stall not to put her jersey under her dresses. I repeatedly requested this in the past. Firstly it is incredibly uncomfortable to have a larger garment under a fitted garment. She looks like a teddy bear. However her comfort is tantamount and she is not capable of changing herself. She has to endure this all day. I have a few more points but will leave those for another mail.

I have a suggestion which could solve many problems. I would like to have a camera installed so she can be monitored 24|7. This can be available for her whole family. It would certainly cease these endless emails and provide absolute transparency.

Please revert.

Regards,
Cindy West
sacred.gaia@gmail.com
084 880 3326

They have no voice. Would you sing their song by signing? I thank you in advance.

#elderlylivesmatter

#transparencynow

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