Medication Safety And The Elderly

credits taysm via morguefile.com

My grandmother is not the elderly lady who refuses to take her medication. She loves to take pills. She also likes ointments, salves, OTC meds, tinctures, tonics and home remedies. When she moved in, she brought her home pharmacy with her.

To be perfectly blunt, she always felt like crap. We suggested that she ease up on using some of her potions. Later, we discussed it with her doctor, who, after an evaluation suggested that the medicine be removed from her room and safely locked away.

When we started this process, we discovered outdated medications, prescriptions that belonged to other people (outdated, and mixed up in generic bottles) and all manner of ghastly and dangerous things. It took three LARGE black trashbags just for the stuff that needed to be thrown away.

Although her dementia is in the late-early stage (meaning she still understands that some things go on the skin, and other things are to be swallowed) she was definitely showing a lack of understanding about the basic function of medications. We discovered that over the course of a day she was:

• Double or triple dosing on her prescription medications

• Taking twelve laxatives

• Following the laxatives with anti-diarrheal medication

• Taking 5-10 acid reducers

• Rubbing herself with: 4 different lotions, alcohol, Listerine, Aspercreme, Vick's, Germ-x, triple-antibiotic ointment, heat rub, Witch hazel, peroxide, and vinegar.

• Taking up to 7 aspirin a day

• Taking 4-7 Excederin per day

• Taking several different vitamins supplements including multi-vitamins, creating double or triple doses of some elements.

• Taking herbal supplements incorrectly

Needless to say, this meant she was poisoning herself on a daily basis. She was exhausted, weak, and could barely eat without suffering indigestion.

Weaning her from the excess medications was nearly impossible. Physically, she had only a positive reaction.  Her health improved by leaps and bounds. Emotionally, though...she was a wreck. She cried, she screamed, she threatened. 

For the first few weeks she was as bad as any druggie begging for a hit. She would accost visitors. " Can you check my pulse...I feel weak. I would feel better if I just had an acid reducer." 

Alarmed by this, we spoke to her doctor. He assured us that none of the OTC meds she had were addictive. He didn't actually use the word hypochondriac, but he insinuated that this was exactly the issue we were facing. He emphasized the importance of keeping the medicines locked away. A few weeks later, several medications, including half of one of her prescriptions came up missing. 

During this time, she was sullen and touchy about any mention of medication. She would start watching the clock two hours before time to take her prescriptions. She wouldn't budge during that time. And she started giving 20, 10, and 5 minute warnings. " 20 minutes until you HAVE to get my pills for me because you don't think I can do it myself."

The missing pills were never located, but she had incredibly wild blood pressure readings during that time. Her doctor, after looking at the chart, advised my mother to stop giving her the official daily pill, and to continue doing blood pressure monitorings. Not surprising, the readings stayed very low until her hidden stash ran out. The pills are now  under lock and key. 

Be Responsible With Medication

The elderly often have difficulty with their medication. They may not be able to read the labels, they may not understand how they are supposed to take certain pills. They sometimes don't understand the danger of OTC medications. 

Whereas the majority of caregivers have issues with their loved ones refusing pills or simply forgetting to take them; it is still important to monitor ALL medications in the house. Don't leave OTC meds or other prescriptions where they can be seen and misused (or taken by accident.) If necessary, invest in a lock box or cabinet. 

Luckily, we were able to stop the abuse before it did irreversible damage. There were some major side-effects though. The use of so many topical creams had led to a massive foot infection that required a specialist. It had also caused large sores, many of which have left scars. 

It has taken a full year to reverse the damage to her digestive system. But she is finally able to eat without having major gastro-intestinal upset. Thus, she is better able to absorb her vitamin supplements. After her body had time to heal, her doctor said that she could have certain things to use daily, such as Vicks and lotion. Thus, she still feels as though she is "doctoring" herself, but these items are harmless, since they aren't being mixed with so many other chemicals. 

Talk you your care provider about any medication issues your loved one may have. Never assume they are treating themselves responsibly, especially of they are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's.