1 Million Nursing Home Patients Drugged Excessively

caregiver laughing with elderly client -monterey in home caregiving

80% of nursing home residents on Medicare were prescribed psychiatric drugs during a recent nine-year period, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (AARP Bulletin, January/February 2023, page 4).  It is well known that there is a labor shortage and nursing staffs are cut pretty slim, but unfortunately this often results in nursing home residents being overmedicated with anti-depressants and anti-psychotics so that they rarely get up and move around or socialize.  This is unfortunate as we have seen many of our clients put into nursing homes because of the high cost of home-care, and many of them pass away shortly thereafter.  I believe this is due to a number of factors including depression, lack of social interaction, and a desire to remain in their own home. Psychotropics have long been criticized by nursing home resident advocates as “chemical straitjackets” used to sedate unruly residents, including those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.  I have seen this first hand and it is very unsettling.

Monterey, CA Tips For Warding Off Alzheimer’s Disease

Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and my grandfather had Alzheimer’s disease when they passed away.  It’s a terrible disease for which there is no cure.  However, there are ways that you can try and keep the disease at bay including:

  1. Protect your heart – Four major risk factors directly relate to heart health: high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and smoking.  Work towards keeping blood pressure and cholesterol low by eating a healthy diet.
  2. Exercise – According to Dr. Richard Isaacson, this can be the brain’s first defense against amyloid plaque. Try and get at least thirty minutes of exercise per day.
  3. Stay Socially and mentally active – Getting together with family and friends can be difficult during the COVID pandemic, but getting social stimulation is important, even if you have to do it over a zoom call.
  4. Avoid head injury – This is easier said than done, but studies have found that even mild head trauma can result in dementia. Wear a seatbelt, play sports safely and treat any head injury immediately.
  5. Treat depression, hearing loss, and substance abuse – Excessive alcohol consumption, hearing loss and depression all increase the risk for dementia.

Source: American Brain Foundation and Brain Life, the Academy of Neurology’s patient and caregiver magazine and website.

 

If you or a family member are struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or some other type of dementia, go talk to the good folks at the Alzheimer’s Association’s Monterey Chapter in Ryan Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline you can call at 1800-272-3900.

Carmel, CA Feeling Depressed? Try A Senior Geropsychologist

A woman in Floral dress sitting in the chair and smiling

If you are feeling down and depressed, you should see a counselor and, in particular, one that specializes in treating seniors.  Called a Geropsychologist, this specialty first arose in 2010, according to the American Psychological Association.  There are few of them around, unfortunately, with only 3% of licensed psychologists cite this as their primary or secondary specialty.  The nearest one is in Santa Cruz, Lily Rich, although she does do both in-home visits and video calls.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/elderly-persons-disorders/california/246342?sid=6002314487532&ref=10&tr=ResultsProfileBtn