Last week, I wrote a column about how the sector might feel if there was a cure for Alzheimer’s. The response to that column has been overwhelming. As in overwhelmingly angry.
Many people in the senior living sector found it offensive and off the mark. On further review, I must agree.
In retrospect, I should have focused on three elements:
- Alzheimer’s care has become a central service in the field.
- A cure for Alzheimer’s would be a great thing that we would all gladly welcome, even if it did result in some relatively minor side effects, such as new occupancy challenges.
- Regardless, this sector has always put caring for those in need at the top of the list. It would be great if Alzheimer’s was one less thing on the list.
That would have been much better than what I did write, which suggested some caregivers might not want a cure as it might be bad for business.
Momma always said that when you screw up, ‘fess up and try to do better next time.
So to be perfectly clear: I messed up that column. My sincere apologies for any and all offenses it contained. Also, please know that I will try to make sure that kind of mistake is not repeated.
You deserve better.
John O’Connor is editorial director of McKnight’s Senior Living. Email him at [email protected].
