26 Apr 2009
Dear Mary,
I’d like to warn caregivers to read medication labels. I had a scary experience with my mother whom I had been giving the same blood pressure pill every day for quite some time. It was recently renewed and I continued to give it to her as usual. Over the course of a week she became dizzy and could barely walk. One morning I happened to look at the label and realized I’d been giving it wrong. It seems the new dosage was double the old and she was to take half a pill. This information was not conveyed to me when I picked up the prescription from the pharmacy. It devastates me to think that I was the cause of her decline. I immediately started giving her the correct dose and she is now back to normal.
Dear Reader,
Thank you for sharing your story and the important reminder. Medication errors are not only made by family, they are also made by professionals. Hospitals have been under the gun to reduce their high rate of errors. The good news is that new technology and medication protocols are now being used to accomplish this goal.
Dear Mary,
I have a friend who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. We have been friends since grade school and I would like to continue to support her during this difficult time. However, it is becoming more difficult to carry on a conversation with her. She doesn’t initiate it and seems confused about how to respond to me. This is making both of us uncomfortable and I’m feeling guilty about not wanting to see her. Do you have any suggestions?
Dear Reader,
Alzheimer’s diseaseaffects short-term memory but long-term memory remains for quite some time. This means your friend can’t relate to recent events but she can remember things from her past. Talking about shared youthful adventures can spark her interest and enthusiasm. When you visit, view old photo albums and school year books or help her create a bulletin board of memories from pictures. Alzheimer’s disease also affects speech so expect her verbal participation to be limited. Avoid pressing her for answers or insinuating she should remember - just be with her in her “here and now” and go with the flow.
Your friend is lucky to have you. Keep visiting and reminisce about the good old days.
Dear Mary,
I need your advice about my mother. My brother called from Texas to say she can’t live alone anymore. His wife does not want her living with them, so he wants to send her to live with me. My mother is a tough Texan and our past and current relationship is strained, to put it mildly. One part of me says to forgive and forget while another is screaming “No way!” What should I do? She has no one else to take care of her.
Dear Reader,
If your relationship is strained now, think what it will be when she moves in. It would be kinder to both of you if she had a place to call her own. You can be involved with her care by calling and visiting as often as possible.
Since Texas is her home, it would be cruel to move her out of state. Search for local housing that mixes quality care with known customs. Your brother should keep a watchful eye and be her advocate since he is the closest in proximity.
Get started by calling the local Area Agency on Aging to get an assessment to determine her level of care. You can find the number by contacting the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 or www.eldercare.gov . The agency can also help you locate appropriate housing and funding if needed.
| 
