What is Gabapentin? Gabapentin is used to treat chronic neuropathic pain, but it may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion in some older adults. Making the decision on whether the benefit of gabapentin outweighs the side effects, which could lead to increased falls, may seem daunting. Gabapentin is one of the…
Many people today use medication unnecessarily. The smallest flu or cold warrants the use of antibacterial medication that often does greater harm to our bodies. We ask our doctors for medications that cure common illnesses without thinking of the effects that these medicines may have on our bodies in the…
Falling is a common occurrence and a serious problem among the elderly population. A myriad of studies has found that the use of psychotropic drugs on older adult patients in nursing homes significantly increases the risk of falling. A recent study published by the Journal of the American Medical Directors…
According to a recent report by the International Psychogeriatrics Association, one in five older adults living in Europe with a functional impairment receives long-term care in a long-term care facility. Over 50% of these older adults suffer with dementia and often are challenged by some kind of neuropsychiatric symptoms throughout…
Older adults, especially those residing in assisted living facilities, are highly vulnerable to dangerous drug-drug interactions (DDIs) because of comorbidities and the prescription of a higher number of drugs. These serious DDIs can result in adverse clinical outcomes and should be avoided at all times. This issue has been receiving…
Assisted living has become one of the primary providers of long-term residential care to the growing older adult population, especially elderly individuals with cognitive illnesses such as dementia. According to statistics, close to one million adults reside in over 30,000 assisted living residences throughout the United States, with some housing…
Medical care in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, is a complex task due to the high number of dependent older adult residents with comorbidities varying in severity, polypharmacy, and psychological, physical, and neurosensory impairments. Unfortunately, the management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes mellitus and the prevention of…
Research indicates that most falls experienced by older adults happen during the daytime and are often caused by slippery floors and irregular surfaces. An estimated 20% of falls occur during the night and are most commonly experienced by the elderly, with about 30% experiencing a fall incidence once every year. …
Hip fractures are highly prevalent in the ever-growing aging population due to age-related decline in bone strength. Not only do hip fractures cause extreme debilitation to quality of life, they also significantly increase the risk of mortality. The mortality rate one year after a hip fracture is an estimated 20%.…
Making the decision to place a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility is a complex task. It is normal to fear the outcome of care for your loved one, especially regarding the use of medications and the possible abuse against the individual. Antipsychotic drugs are a…