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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

I never thought of myself as an addict, but I did end up addicted to anti-anxiety medication after developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At some point, the medicine stopped being a way to deal with the nervousness and panic attacks, and became something my body craved. I knew that I needed help fast. Fortunately, a local drug rehab program includes support for people like me. They helped me wean off the medication, use methods like massage therapy to help my nerves heal, and even provided ongoing counseling for our family. I don't know how I would have made it without their help. If you suspect that your medication has crossed the line from being helpful to hurtful, take heart. Let me tell you about my journey out of addiction and back to wholeness.

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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

Preparing A Parent For The Transition To A 24-Hour Nursing Care Center

by Valerie Stevens

When adult children become the caregivers for their parents, they may find that the needs of the parents outweigh what they can provide. You may find that your parent needs constant supervision to stay safe, or you may determine that you aren't able to provide the level of medical care needed to keep your loved one healthy. It's a good idea to have a contingency plan in place before this type of situation arises so your parent is prepared for all potential living situations. Here are a few ways you can begin to prepare for a potential transition to a nursing home.

Have An Honest Discussion

Even if you are able to meet all of your parent's needs currently, having a discussion about possible changes in his or her health can be beneficial. Discuss what types of changes would result in the need for extra care, and be sure to talk about steps you can take to help your parent age in place for as long as possible. You may want to consider respite care or home nursing before considering a nursing home. If your parent suffers from dementia or Alzheimer's, you'll want to make sure you have this discussion during a moment of lucidity. It's also a good idea to discuss it more than once.

Tour Local Facilities

Touring facilities in advance, when your parent knows he or she isn't going to be moving any time soon, can help you get a better idea of which facility might be a good fit. Schedule tours with facilities that are close by and have good reviews, and be sure to bring a list of questions with you. Among those questions should be an inquiry about potential waiting lists and about cost. Once you have a facility you want in mind, be sure to keep a brochure and business card handy for when you need it.

Involve The Primary Care Physician

Unfortunately, in some situations, adult children may feel obligated to provide care at home when they simply don't have the resources to do it well. If your parent needs frequent injections, help with blood sugar monitoring, or supervision for safety, you may not be able to keep up with these demands. Discuss your parent's current medical health needs with his or her primary care physician, and be honest about the challenges you are facing. The doctor may be able to help you and your parent determine what level of assistance is necessary. Doctors can also provide great references for in-home nursing, nursing homes, and other services to help your parent stay happy, healthy and safe.

For more information, contact a 24-hour nursing care facility near you.

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