Psychoactive or psychotropic medications are any medications that are meant to affect your mind, emotions and/or behavior. Because these drugs can alter a person's behavioral tendencies or urges they can be described as "Chemical Restraints". Many of these medications have significant side effects and long-term consequences. Certified Geriatric Pharmacist Carrie Allen explains what drugs are considered psychotropic drugs, tips for evaluating behaviors, and the importance of limiting the use of these over-prescribed drugs in long-term-care facilities.  

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While there are many benefits of employing a caregiver (or assisted living facility) to care for your aging parents, an unfortunate scenario may come up: caregiver theft. How can you best protect your loved ones from caregiver theft, and how can you discern between something being misplaced versus actually stolen? Watch this video to find out. 

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One of the most challenging things a family can go through is needing to place a parent into assisted living, or, start caring for a parent themselves. This scenario can be made much more difficult and stressful if your siblings are not involved, as the whole situation can seem unfair. Is one sibling providing more care than the others? How are finances being handled? In this video about siblings and aging parents, caregivers will learn how to best communicate with family members. 

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When it comes to independent living for the eldery, there are a lot of things to consider. How old is too old? How much should health factor into this decison? Learn more in this great video below! 

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Does a loved one of yours need additional care? If so, you know that finding the right caregiver can be a difficult task! Watch this video for some great information on how to hire a private duty caregiver. 

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Too often, aging services providers find that caregivers have not mastered the art and science of dementia communication, resulting in disheartening, undignified, and even dangerous situations, especially during meals. When they should be experiencing the comfort of a familiar routine, people with dementia often instead experience confusion, frustration, and anxiety. This video gives caregivers guidance for visiting someone with dementia at any time, and especially during meals.

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Presenter:  David Smith, M.D., FAAFP, CMD - Geriatric Consultants of Central Texas, PA

Adult sibling relationships are diverse and sometimes complicated. And you may not realize how complicated they are until you are suddenly forced to come together to provide aging parents support. For many, dealing with family members is a major cause of caregiver stress. This video helps people navigate common issues that families face when caring for loved ones and respond to things people often say, such as “"I'm the youngest of five and my siblings still treat me like the baby," and "My sister has always been bossy and she thinks she's in charge.” This video teaches adult children how to best work together and deal with the complicated family dynamics.

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When caring for someone elderly, understanding and managing their medications is crucial to their well-being - because often medications and seniors don’t mix. It is crucial to be aware of both the dosages, side effects, drug interactions, high risk drugs for seniors, potential complications with certain medications, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter drugs. Here, Carrie Allen, a specialist in geriatric pharmacy, helps caregivers understand polypharmacy and health to manage medications for seniors safely and with confidence.

 

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