Dealing With Substance Abuse for the Elderly

There is always the notion that the youth are the only ones that have to grapple with the challenges of drug and substance abuse. Some of the elderly have the same problem but may not be at peace to speak out. It becomes harder since most of them do not want to be challenged about the matter. 

The statistics are grim
The National Epidemiological survey on drug abuse shows that one in every five elderly adults over the age of 65 has drug abuse problems.

Here are a few signals that show that your elderly is abusing drugs and substances.

• A large number of liquor cans in the house
• Increased memory loss
• Changes in moods
• Withdrawal from the rest of the family
• Personality changes such as increased anger, elation, or suspicion
• Inability to keep themselves and the house clean
• Change in sleep patterns
• Increased falls and injuries
• Asking for a specific type of medication even if the doctor prescribes something else
• Irritability, anxiety, and depression

When handling the situation, take a non-judgmental approach in the matter. It is also good to have the family doctor involved in the conversation. Try to frame the matter as a health approach and not trying to correct them of their unbecoming behavior.  This will help him open up to the matter and help you unravel the cause of the problem.

Recovery from substance abuse
Most elderly people will hate the idea of having to go to the rehab for drug and substance abuse. The best approach to the problem is to have in home rehabilitation. Several companies in Los Angeles offer in-home care services that can help your elderly deal with the substance abuse problem.

The in-home care team can handle physiological and psychological needs of an adult recovering from drug abuse. They are there for the elderly at all times and have the expertise to bring them back on course.

It is important to let the in home care firm in Los Angeles know the condition that the elderly is in and the medication that he or she is taking. It is better if they sat with your family doctor too.

How to Make Home Safe for The Sick and Older Family Members

If you have terminally sick, very young or very old members of the family, it is important to ensure that they are safe at all time. Below are some important areas to check to enhance their safety

Never leave them alone at home
It is important to have someone take care of the very sick, very old and the young. A professional caregiver is best suited to ensure that their needs are well catered for. There are several professional caregivers in Los Angeles among which you can pick one. 

Ensure that the floor is not slippery
Slippery floors are one of the major causes of fatal accidents at home. If you have a smooth floor, consider carpeting. A carpet also ensures that the home is warm for their feet and lowers the bills. Take care of the floor that you lay for the bathroom and the kitchen. In both of these areas, there is the likelihood that the floor will be wet. It should not be slippery even when wet.

Bathing aids
The members of the family that have mobility problems or the very old will have problems bathing and using the toilet. To make it easy, consider having a shower chair and grab bars that they can use to support themselves in both the toilet and the bathroom.

Unclutter the house
A home that is cluttered with all kinds of items is dangerous for your less able members of the family. You can have the house clean and well arranged by hiring professional caregivers in Los Angeles. They will ensure that the house remains clean and tidy all the time. However, ensure that you have removed all the items that the members do not need at their living spaces to give them more space.

Make electronics easier to use
There are several electronics that the family members will be using to be comfortable. Ensure the switches are within reach or use remote control wherever possible. You may also buy smart energy savers to help dim or switch off the lights when one leaves the room. Moreover, have emergency alert systems that they can use if they have urgent health problems or other emergencies.

The Benefits of Taking Up Home Health Care Services in Los Angeles

Home health care agencies involve various health care services that are given at the comfort of your own home. Several advantages come with having the medical care team come home rather than visiting the hospital when sick or injured.

Convenience
If you live a way from the hospital, traveling to the hospital is a toll order. You waste your time getting around traffic and may be inconveniencing. It is even harder if you have to visit the clinic for checkups now and then. Home health care Los Angeles offers you the convenience of getting treatment where you are.

Patients using medical aids
If you have members of the family that are using such medical aids such as wheel chairs, pace makers or prosthetics, it may be hard to transport them to the hospital every now and then. There is also the risk of causing more injury on the way, they are better treated at home. 

Cheaper
Home care services are cheaper than having the patient stay at the hospital. The rates at good hospitals are very high. The home healthcare services are significantly lower and offer high quality services.

Personalized care 
Home healthcare gives the patients personalized attention that they may not get in a hospital setting. Certain illnesses and conditions require round the clock attention. This may not be possible at the hospital where there are several patients. Home healthcare nurses are available 24/7 for quality care.

Independence
Home healthcare services give the patients some freedom to continue with their lives as they get medical attention. This is much better than staying in a hospital bed where one is a hospital environment all the time.

Medical advice
The home healthcare team ensures that the patient does all that is needed for him or her to get well soon or better manage the illness or condition. The patients get advice involving topics such as nutrition, exercises and reminders of when to take the prescriptions.

Timely medical attention
If the patient’s condition gets worse while at their residence, the home healthcare team are able to take quick measures to stabilize the condition before he or she gets further medical attention. These and many more services await you on subscribing for home health care in Los Angeles

How to Select a Reputable Senior Care Professional for Your Elderly

As people get older, they become susceptible to illnesses and other conditions that make them unable to take care of themselves as they used to. You have a few options to help them. You may take them to the home for the elderly but this rids them of their freedom; you may live with them but this will tie you up, especially if you have busy schedule. Lastly, you may have a caregiver take care of them.

Senior caregivers are professionals that handle all the aspects of your elderly including medical advice and attention, companionship, nutrition and diet as well as hygiene. There are many companies that provide senior care in Los Angeles. However, you want to be sure that your elderly is in safe hands. Here are areas to check in the selection process. 

What needs does the elderly person have? 
Depending on the condition of the elderly person, he or she may need medical management, physical therapy non-medical help such as bathing, toileting and dressing, meal preparation and house cleaning. The elderly may also need a companion. The needs dictate what kind of caregiver you hire.

Is the senior care firm reputable?
Are there complaints about the workers of the firm you intend to hire? Can the firm produce a verifiable record of accomplishment? Are there customer references that can testify on the quality of the service? Are their workers screened for any past criminal deeds? How does the firm handle customer complaints? Ensure that you hire a firm that answers the above questions satisfactory.

Is the caregiver licensed or bonded?
It is important to hire a caregiver that is both bonded and licensed. Avoid hiring the next-door neighbor. You are more likely to get better services and track how the work is done if you pick a licensed caregiver.

Discuss the terms of services and price with senior care Los Angeles firms that pass the criteria above.

Monitor the quality of services rendered
Monitor the quality of work by being in communication with both the caregiver and the elderly. It is also good to make an impromptu visit and see how everything is running. Ask the agency to give you periodic reports on the service.