Elder Care in Riverside County, CA - Home Care Palm Springs by ...

Substance abuse is a growing problem in elder care. It is estimated that as much as 17 percent of the population of aging adults over the age of 65 are serious abusers of alcohol. Even more unnerving is the fact that despite the relatively small percentage of the total US population that seniors account for, this percentage of the population takes 25 percent of the drugs that are prescribed each year. These powerful drugs tend to be for things such as anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain, and are exceptionally addicting. Many elderly health care providers completely overlook the potential for substance abuse in aging adults, falling victim to the misconception that substance abuse is an affliction only of younger generations. If you provide elder care for an aging loved one, it is critical that you are aware of the warning signs of substance abuse in the elderly and are prepared to confront the issue. The primary role of an elder care provider is to protect the senior while helping him to enjoy as healthy and happy a quality of life as possible.

Elder care providers should be careful to watch for the following warning signs of senior substance abuse in the aging loved ones for whom they provide elderly home care:

• Increased depression or loss of interest in family, friends or activities that your aging loved one once enjoyed
• Unexplained memory loss or confusion that seems to come and go
• Irritability or shortness of temper
• Sudden increase in falls or the appearance of unexplained injuries and bruises
• Noted changes in sleep habits
• Unexplained weight loss that occurs very suddenly
• A desire to be alone or expressing the desire for you to leave him alone
• Noticeable changes in the personal hygiene habits or household maintenance of your loved one

It is important to note that despite popular belief, women are much more likely than men to begin abusing alcohol when they reach late adulthood. Because women are much more secretive and private than men, however, substance abuse problems in women may go undetected for much longer than the same behaviors and men. It is critical when providing elder care for an aging loved one that you stay vigilant of your loved one?s behavior and condition so that you can detect the warning signs of substance abuse and help your loved one overcome a problem if it arises.

If you have a loved one who could benefit from the help of elder care in Riverside County, CA contact the caregivers at ComforCare Senior Services. We help seniors and their families with many levels of home care service. Call (760) 565-0045 for more information.

Source: http://www.riversidecountyseniorcare.com/elder-care-in-riverside-county-ca

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