Follow
Share

When addiction was discovered, after emergency trip to hospital for dehydration, we discussed assisted living with her and toured several local facilities. At first, she was strongly opposed, but then started to seem excited about it. Now, as withdrawal is raging, she is refusing to go (not even sure that they will take her in this state) and is saying she wants to go to nursing home so that she can get medicine and lay in bed. Do we contact a social worker to help us figure out what to do? Totally lost here!

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
I think that contacting her doctor would help you know what to do.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Yes, call the dr. My mom was given hydroC for an aching hip (90). It was a 30 day non refillable. I wasn't wild about it because the dr saw her only once and didn't understand she lived alone, drank a couple glasses of wine, etc. besides, in my mind he should have coupled with PT.

But that said, I found out he allowed her to refill twice!!! --without seeing her again. She was making crazy calls to me, still complaining and telling me she had tumor. I called dr and pitched a fit! As to why he would prescribe a frail 90 lb 90 yr old a narcotic and refill 3x without seeing her or understanding all the other meds she was on.

I don't think she was addicted, but certainly could have been. She was self medicating with it to get rid of the discomfort (she was not in debilitating pain). I informed him that if I found another prescription without an office visit, I would contact a lawyer. She didn't get anymore after that. She was mad at me, but Tylenol sufficed as well as getting another dr to order PT for 6 weeks.

Crazy what some of these drs will do with little knowledge of the senior they are treating. He'll, I only am able to get 6 migraine pills a month and have to see the headache dr quarterly to even get a refill and I've been being treated by same group for 23 yrs. Yet these seniors are being prescribed narcotics like they are chick lets.

SO, I say have strong conversation with prescriber, voice your concerns and make sure they are well aware of all other meds, interactions, your seniors living situation and ASK --what else can be done? How do you deal with the seniors ailment long term with or without narcotics?

If it is best for senior to be in nursing care, that's fine. But even then, do you really want your LO heavily sedated for the rest of their life if it's not warranted? I certainly advocate any medication at end of life or under a drs vigilant care and monitoring.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Ps. My mom did not have tumor and had never been diagnosed with one.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Yes, talk to the doctor. Was she discharged from hospital to her home or yours without a plan to address this? Get back in touch with discharge department to tell them that she can no longer manage by herself.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

No. I don't think that she can manage AL. for now, at least. The NH that my mother is in does not let you lay in bad and take meds. That is kinda funny, that she thinks that. No. The day is structured and you have to get out of bed - especially, if you only need a little help. You have to get dressed and go to the dining room. Then, they might schedule physical therapy, too.

She could go to a NH and get back on her feet and then go to AL. The NH doesn't have to be the end of the story.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter