AboutMargot RN BScN GNC Expertise GERONTOLOGY (NURSING ISSUES RELATED TO THE ELDERY) I have 15+ years experience working with the elderly. I would be pleased to offer any assistance I can. My areas of expertise include: Gerontology / Geriatrics, Long Term Care, Community Nursing, Palliative Care, Private Nursing Services, Intermediate / Extended Care. I also have a personal interest in Homeopathic and Eastern Medicine. If I can not answer your question I`ll do my best to direct you to an appropriate resource. Thank you.
Experience I have fifteen years experience in Gerontological Nursing both in the community, and in Long Term Care. I have worked as a General Duty Nurse, a Nurse Manager, and a Nursing Consultant in Long Term Care and Community Nursing.I have a great deal of experience working with, assessing, and educating in the field of Gerontology (Nursing the Elderly). I am familiar with the challenges associated with Dementia (Alzheimer's), Chronic and Terminal illnesses. Experience in the area 20 years of Long Term Care and Community Nursing, specialising in Geriatrics, Gerontology and PalliativeCare.
Education/Credentials Registered Nurse , Certified Gerontological Nurse, Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Question I think my Dad is badly over medicated, but I don't know what to do.
He takes 17 kinds of medicine daily (30-35 pills) for numerous problems including prostate cancer, emphasema, heart arithmea (atrial fibrilation and atrial flutter) leaking heart valve and possibly enlarged heart. Although he is mentally competant, He is confused, lethargic and unsteady on his feet.
He gets his drugs free from the VA which I think is a big part of the problem. As long as it's free, he wants everything there is. I have discussed this with his VA doctor, who says all his problems are the result of being 83 years old, and are to be expected in a person that age. I disagree! I think over medication is the most serious problem he has.
changing to a private doctor is not an option, because he has no coverage other than VA and medicare - no provate insurance. He won't consider going anywhere else for routine care.
Is there anything I can do to get him off some of these drugs?
Thanks,
Jo
Answer Hi Jo and thanks for writing,
I would agree that your Dad is probably taking way too many drugs which can easily build up in his system and cause confusion, delerium, weakness, unsteadiness,not to mention toxicity-related illnesses (even death).
I think he needs to be assessed by a Geriatric Specialist (Gerontologist) to see IF he really even needs the medications he's on. Chances are he could probably cut 1/2 to 3/4 of them out and feel 100% better after he does. You could ask his GP to refer him to a Specialist in Geriatric Medicine or see if one will come to him. Failing that, maybe take your Dad to a Homeopath for a full assessment.
As a last resort, if you're really worried and getting nowhere with his GP you could call the College of Physicians and Surgeons in your local area and ask for an investigation of over-medication in your Dad's residence.
I hope this helps and do hope your Dad is feeling better soon.
