I am a member of a group that meets to practice speaking skills in a supportive atmosphere. One of our respected members brings his wife, a dementia sufferer, along to meetings. Often she will make a lot of distracting noise and her husband tries valiantly to quieten and calm her. The noise is so annoying that some of our members glare over, despite the sadness of the situation.
Last night, when the carer of this lady got up to make his practice speech, he was quite emotional and said that his wife may not have much longer to live and he wanted to spend as much time as possible with her.
I have expressed to the committee the need to spell out to this carer, that the majority's needs for a calm, and non distracting atmosphere are important, and that he should find someone to look after his wife at home, while he attends our meetings. The situation has gone on so long and this carer seems to be impervious to the needs of others. The committee is concerned in case there is an unpleasant confrontation and this valuable member either stubbornly continues to bring his wife or leaves the Speakers' Circle altogether.
I have spoken up and said I would independently write to this carer stressing that he needs to look after his own health, give himself a break away from his wife etc. plus a reminder about the rights of others in the group. I am annoyed that no-one else seems to be able to grasp the nettle of the need to take action.
I'm wondering what type of strategy, or wording in the letter would be most effective in
managing this situation. Regards, Irene
Last night, when the carer of this lady got up to make his practice speech, he was quite emotional and said that his wife may not have much longer to live and he wanted to spend as much time as possible with her.
I have expressed to the committee the need to spell out to this carer, that the majority's needs for a calm, and non distracting atmosphere are important, and that he should find someone to look after his wife at home, while he attends our meetings. The situation has gone on so long and this carer seems to be impervious to the needs of others. The committee is concerned in case there is an unpleasant confrontation and this valuable member either stubbornly continues to bring his wife or leaves the Speakers' Circle altogether.
I have spoken up and said I would independently write to this carer stressing that he needs to look after his own health, give himself a break away from his wife etc. plus a reminder about the rights of others in the group. I am annoyed that no-one else seems to be able to grasp the nettle of the need to take action.
I'm wondering what type of strategy, or wording in the letter would be most effective in
managing this situation. Regards, Irene