I was told by the NH that my Father is in, that they are required to show proof of reducing meds that may be considered a "restraint" medication every six months to see if they still need them or if they are helping.

I understand some of this thinking as I would not want him drugged up if it was not needed, but if they take his Namenda (similar to Exelon) away, I was told they would first reduce the dosage slowly to see the effects.

I know I dug up information on this when they first told me they would do this, I'll see if I can find it. I thought this was a State Licensing Requirement for our state.

Did they do this without informing you first? Do you have medical POA? They know they can't make any changes without my knowledge, and then for them to add Morphine? This sounds very backward to me. Hopefully someone here can provide more info while I go search for you. Cathy

I can't believe this. I did not know this. If a person has dementia, how can they just take away the Exelon patch??? Would they take away insulin from a patient with diabetes? And then give Morphine??? What is the point of that? Oh my gosh. I'm sorry. This just really got me riled. I hope you have a POA. I did not allow ANY meds to be given to or taken away from my Dad when he was at NH without my knowledge. They should have to tell you. Also, can the nursing home just do this or was it ordered by a doctor? Thankfully though, Daddy was aware a lot of the time and was able to tell me what was going on. I did not think Exelon was considered a "restraint" medication. If Mom ever needs to go to the NH I will really have to be current on all of this info. Time for me to try to research some as well. If I find something I will let you know. Kim

Dad returned to the Nursing home today. He slept this afternoon as the move must have been exhausting. Dad is in another room with a window view and a television. Procedure ugh!
they did not give dad any bed rails because they have to be ordered by a doctor.:( Dad needs them too. Dad will be evaluated by the a speech threapist ( helps him with eating etc too!) Dad will be evealuated by physic through the nursing home too! he may get to do theraphy again :) as Dad used to walk sometimes. The question I keep asking myself is am i doing everything for my dad? In my heart I would love to have him come home and live with us. :( We need to find Dads glasses as no one seems to know where they are or what happened to them? Do we buy him a new pair. They just replaced a pair in the spring.( the nursing home) I hope that Dad does a lot better now that his meds are changed. Time will tell. Thank you for continueing to be there for me
Does anyone know of a book that is good to help you cope and care for your parent?
blessings............facing

Definitely "The 36 Hour Day." There's another one I just checked out at the library but have not read yet so can't tell you if it's any good or not. I'll let you know. Can't remember the name right now and I'm already in bed. Email me and I'll give you the name tomorrow. Please let me know how things progress now that his meds are settled and you seem to be getting a lot accomplished for him even though it takes a lot of time and going thru all the channels. Ugh. I remember the frustration. Hugs, Kim

At some point in time I will be on medicade also, I have heard from many different sorces both inside of the NH industry and outside that the better paying patients get much better treatment and are better cared for and the medicaid people are last on the list, I do not think this is true at all times just something to watch for. Sorry for the input but something to be aware of. God Bless Phil &* Flops