Seniors often do not fit the stereotypical image that many conjure up of a drug addict. For this reason, many family members, caregivers and even healthcare professionals miss the signs when a senior is suffering from prescription drug addiction.
Many people over the age of 70 take multiple prescribed medications in combination with over-the-counter drugs and vitamins. As long as the attending physician is aware of all combinations, this may in itself not be an issue. No one should concoct their own mixture of medications without the approval of a medical doctor. When does taking a substantial amount of medication become problematic? How can caregivers know what signs to monitor?
The first step is to educate yourself on the correct prescribed dosage. Know what this looks like in the way of how many pills and what the pills actually look like. Then ask some of the following questions:
1. Is your senior loved one sneaking or hiding medications?
2. Does he or she become annoyed when questioned about dosages and types of meds taken?
3. Are you noticing any changes in mood or behavior?
4. Has he or she recently switched pharmacies or medical providers to access prescriptions?
5. Does he or she have a history of substance abuse?
If you suspect your loved one may have a problem with prescription drug use, you can assist them in getting help. Some ways you can help your elderly loved ones properly manage their prescription drug intake include:
- Stay on top of what they are taking and how much by monitoring their intake. Use a pill box that divides dosages by day/time. This will help you see that the right number of pills are in the right container.
- Encourage your loved ones to only use pain medicine when needed and to taper off as soon as possible.
- Research alternative options to deal with symptoms in a more natural, homeopathic manner.
- Make sure they are not mixing alcohol with prescription medication.
- As a last resort, you may need to intervene and control access to medications. Do what needs to be done to prevent an overdose and then enlist the help of a medical professional to help your loved one medically detox and get the psychological support needed to beat the addiction.
Keep in mind that there is a distinction between drug abuse and drug misuse. Either can lead to dangerous consequences, but they are often handled differently. Drug abuse is deliberately taking more medications while drug misuse may occur accidentally due to a decline in cognitive functioning. Regardless of whether you suspect drug abuse or drug misuse, take action to get help for your loved one.
At Stouffer Legal, we care about our seniors and want to ensure caregivers have the tools and resources needed to get the right type of help. If you have questions or concerns about a senior loved one and need assistance in long-term care planning, retirement planning or estate planning, contact Stouffer Legal in the Greater Baltimore area for a consultation. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (443) 470-3599, emailing us at office@stoufferlegal.com, or register for an upcoming free webinar using the link below:
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