408-854-1883 starts at $30 per hr home care

Affordable in home care | starts at $28 per hr

Oct 3 real estate auction in Santa Clara

Be ready to get a house that starts at $250,000 in auction.  At 9am on Oct 3 in Santa Clara courthouse, join the auction.

For those who have a space in their backyard and wanted a granny flat or ADU for rental income , email motherhealth@gmail.com . A 2BR , 840 sqt ft starts at $50k. A 378 sq ft is for sale for $30k.

http://www.scscourt.org/

https://www.auction.com/residential/ca/san-jose_ct/

https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=RIyZW4jpNYjT0gKfz6BI&q=affordable+housing+san+jose&oq=affor&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.35i39j0i20i263j0i131l2j0l3j0i131j0j0i131.1102.1724..4455…0.0..0.170.721.2j4….3..0….1..gws-wiz…..0.bSJna4zsfIE

https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=RIyZW4jpNYjT0gKfz6BI&q=affordable+housing+san+jose&oq=affor&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.35i39j0i20i263j0i131l2j0l3j0i131j0j0i131.1102.1724..4455…0.0..0.170.721.2j4….3..0….1..gws-wiz…..0.bSJna4zsfIE

For green building of your own small house in 40 acre on Summit mountain in Los Gatos, space rent starts at $650.

Mobile space rental in the bay area close to cities starts at $1000 per month.

Affordable housing income limit for 2 is $54,700.

RVs starts at $20k.

We should all boycott homes costing close to $1,000,000 and contact your senators to provide affordable housing and open land for building affordable units.

 

 

ADUs or granny flats in San Jose – guides

You are welcome to join me for a manufactured granny flat , 375 sq ft house for around $30k. Email motherhealth@gmail.com or text 408-854-1883.

 

San Jose, CA – Official Website – Secondary Units

http://www.sanjoseca.gov › … › Planning, Building & Code Enforcement › Planning Division

Secondary units — also called accessory dwelling units, ADUs, or granny flats — are …. 2 nd-story allowed – 22 feet maximum* *Either an ADU atop a garage or …

[PDF]ADU/Secondary Unit Review Worksheet – City of San Jose

unit, or ADU—you’ll want to be sure your project concept complies with the …. Attached units: Same height requirements and limitations as the zoning district.

[PDF]What You Need to Know About Accessory Dwelling … – City of San Jose

May 17, 2018 – effective date. Accessory DwellingUnit (ADU) Rules in San José … Proposed MaximumHeight. 22 ft. 6. For a 1-story unit. For ADU above a.

Campbell considers its rules for accessory dwelling units

Jun 16, 2018 – Campbell looks to nix minimum lot size for accessory dwelling units … (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group). By Grace Hase | … To help relieve those concerns, she asked planning staff to review occupancy limits. Councilman …

ADU Building Guidelines for San Jose, CA | Acton Construction

… guidelines and regulations for building Accessory Dwelling Units in San Jose, CA. … Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Regulations … Maximum ADU Floor Area:.

Accessory dwelling units on the rise in Silicon Valley as policymakers …

Jul 2, 2018 – The city of San Jose is trying to develop its own granny unit amnesty … have relaxed their granny unit restrictions within the last couple years.

ADU Zoning Guide for San Jose, CA – Check Your Address | Hausable

Jun 19, 2018 – The city government of San Jose has updated its local zoning codes to comply with … (Attached – Maximum 50% of the floor area of primary dwelling) … Single-story unit – REAR setback can be reduced to fit, if ADU occupies …

Granny Flat Regulations in San Jose – Maxable

Sep 4, 2018 – In response to the housing crisis, the city of San Jose created its own set of … the city, San Jose eased restrictions on June 21, 2018 to further encourage … San Jose Accessory Dwelling UnitRegulations for an Attached Unit.

[PDF]Accessory Dwelling Unit FAQ – the County of Santa Clara

Mar 17, 2017 – San Jose, California 951lGl7O5 … Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is the new term bywhich state law refers to …. The maximum allowed.

Granny Unit 101: Why Now’s the Time to Build – Valley Home Builders

Mar 30, 2017 – New state-wide legislation reduces restrictions and streamlines the permitting process. … To be a legitimate ADU, a granny unit must provide a separate … In San Jose, a newly built detachedunit must be a single story, …

3 months to heal our bones and 4 days to create new cells in colon

My mother had an inflamed knee which started on her left foot. The doctors are amazed at her age that she is still able to work.

During her sick moments, she easily cries and gets agitated. Soup with shrimp and fish and loaded with greens and oranges made her happy. And especially her red wines. She browses thru Facebook and Messenger to find letters and comments from her family and friends. She cried again.

I will ensure that she will be eating foods rich in omega 3, Vitamin E, C and B for healing. In going to the Asian supermarket, I pick up her favorite fish, greens, plantain banana, eggplant, eggs at Whole Foods Store, mangoes, grapes, red wine. I also served her decaf coffee and her warm bagel with butter and avocado.

Here is the version of the ebook about the many health topics I compiled and wished to publish soon.

healing part 1

How do you feel when you think you are successful

There are many feelings when one find success in what they do. Successful people feel happy, satisfied, feeling accomplished by completing a goal, felt the impact of your accomplishment and helped others find success.

It all started with a goal and then each step is completed daily to reach our goals. We measure our success daily based on how we feel about our small accomplishments.

One of my goals is to build a practical net zero dream home in the most expensive bay area city. It might take me 10 more years but I have to start now with small steps.  So, I can reach out with others who wanted the same goal and together we can accomplish it. Email me at motherhealth@gmail.com and see where we can collaborate for a net zero practical dream home in the bay area.

Connie Dello Buono

 

 

 

Investors welcome to invest in bay area homes for airbnb use

We are inviting investors to avail of tax breaks owning a real estate that you can partly use for airbnb.

Earn $300 per night for a 3BR house with a view for visiting tourists or high tech workers in the bay area.

Join Motherhealth Care 501c6 to manage and to own real estate and allocate 10% of profit for affordable senior care and public health education. Email motherhealth@gmail.com

Text 408-854-1883 to make your money work for you in real estate.  Some cities in the bay area are now opening up doors for homeowners with ADU or granny unit being converted to airbnb purpose.

We also welcome those who wants to donate their real estate for affordable senior care.

Motherhealth Care 501c6 at 1708 hallmark Lane San Jose, CA 95124

 

Register as home aid or caregiver at DSS and get a TB test

To be employed as caregiver in senior facilities or agencies, you must be registered at the Dept of Social services (DSS) as non medical home health aid or caregiver and passed the TB test.  Motherhealth has a discount with Alliance for TB test. We also provide free caregiving training online, on the phone or in person.

Email motherhealth@gmail.com or text 408-854-1883

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

 

TUBERCULOSIS-TB or PPD

 

We can provide tuberculosis (TB), also known as PPD skin tests for your employees.  For the test, a small amount of solution is injected beneath the skin of the forearm.  The patient must return to the clinic in 48 to 72 hours to have the staff look at the injection site.  A negative test means that the patient has not had an infection with TB.  A positive result (induration or swelling greater than 10mm in diameter) means that the patient has been exposed and infected with TB in the past.  There are exceptions in some immuno-compromised individuals.  Generally, we will perform a one-view chest x-ray on patients with positive TB results to determine if the TB is in the active or infectious state.

 

 Standard price $30.00 per test

*Discount Price: $27.00 per test  (with forecast anticipated 100 employees per month)

 

One View Chest X-ray if test is positive                                                                $85.00

 

Alliance Occupational Medicine

2737 Walsh Avenue | Santa Clara, CA | 95051

1901 Monterey Road, Suite 10   San Jose, CA  | 95112

315 S. Abbott Avenue  | Milpitas, CA  |  95035

(408) 493-3556 Mobile | (408) 343-7662 office | (408) 228-8401 fax

www.allianceoccmed.com |

Senior Care Facilities

If you own a care home or senior facilities and need client referrals, please complete the form below and email your room availability and rates:

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

 

Free seminars on senior health care

Medications , Nutrition and Herbs for Aging bodies

One hour seminar with 1 hour question and answer forum to answer questions about how medications help seniors and how it should be taken to promote health. Herbs and other complimentary health care are also covered to compliment current health care with the goal of promoting wellness and easy recovery.

Massage and caregiving for seniors

Basic massage for seniors to promote wellness. 1 hour

Zumba for bay area seniors

1 hour with music designed to promote healing

Brain Health

2 hours with questions and answers on various cases about brain health

Call 408-854-1883 or email motherhealth@gmail.com to collaborate on giving this free seminars in your facility or for your employees.
We provide caregivers and CNAs to senior facilities. Contracted caregivers and CNAs are trained and monitored by Motherhealth.  Caregivers are registered at DSS and passed TB  test.
Motherhealth LLC
HCO # 434700121
Speaker
Connie Dello Buono. Former Pharmacy tech instructor and health author. Health blogger and admin for Motherhealth , providing caring bay area caregivers or home helpers for non medical in home care.

Top health info and tricks to effect health promotion

View
Eggplant and apple cider vinegar for skin cancer
View
Philippines Coconut Wine -Tuba
View
Non pasteurized beers have more health benefits
View
Signs of the preactive/ active phase of dying and medications for terminally ill
View
Apple cider vinegar kills parasites, cleansing to the liver and prevents stroke
View
Home page / Archives
View
Restore your vision naturally y Dr. Mercola
View
Can Gout be cured permanently?
View
Nitric Oxide Dump Exercise with nose breathing to lower blood pressure and thin blood
View
7
DMSO, hydrogen peroxide and Vit C fight cancer cells
View
6
MEDICATIONS TO AVOID that worse PD (Parkinson’s disease)
View
5
Hip replacement and kidney stones
View
3
Leaky gut, leaky brain, eat your garlic and pickles by C Guthrie
View
3
Anti-aging and Parkinson/Alzheimer’s prevention: Enzymes and apple cider vinegar
View
3
Helping everyone to learn nursing care to promote wellness to terminally ill clients
View
3
Damage to Blood–brain barrier (BBB) pathways leading to Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia
View
3
Preventing Elder Abuse, Assault and Theft
View
3
Fatigue and Red (bloodshot) eyes from WebMD
View
3
Parasites and Diabetes
View
3
Disease prediction with HELO wearable, own a piece of the market
View
2
Mullein herb for lung and breast health – COPD signs, symptoms and diagnosis
View
2
Retirement or rental income properties in Tagaytay, Philippines
View
2
MSM powder benefits – Alzheimer is a sulfur deficiency
View
2
Dr Mercola’s book – Fat for Fuel
View
2
Weird Facts about Tall and Short People by Lisa Collier Cool
View
2
Bernie – Brett Kavanaugh’s record protect corporations at the expense of workers
View
2
Top posts to prevent chronic illness
View
2
Gout, Dementia, Chelation Therapy
View
2
Monthly brain cycles predict seizures in patients with epilepsy
View
2
The MIND vs. the Mediterranean Diet
View
2
Poor bowel control, dementia, low potassium levels and the brain
View
2
Combating malaria with house design, temp and net
View
2
Daily Kos Recommended
View
2
Avoid chronic bronchitis with green apple, onions, garlic, vinegar and rest
View
2
Hiatal Hernia, Pancreatitis, Pancreatic Cancer and the Western Diet
View
2
Foods that delay the rate of brain atrophy in patients with Alzheimer’s disease
View
2
Foods to eat and avoid when you have Gout and leg pains
View
2
Baking soda , lemon and apple cider vinegar to repair kidney damage from sugar
View
2
When will Souvenaid become available in Canada and US to treat Alzheimer’s Disease?
View
2
Ultrasound kills bacteria , frequency and music killing cancer cells
View
1
Parkinson and Exercises
View
1
Gastroparesis, Betain HCL, diabetes and stomach health
View
1
Lung cancer in the Philippines
View
1
Clean up our lymps to reduce restless leg syndrome
View
1
Detox your lungs from air pollution and metal toxins and for early lung cancer
View
1
Apple cider vinegar for knee swelling and more uses by Dr Mercola
View
1
Growth hormone rich foods
View
1
Menu for the healthy plus kitchen tips
View
1
Benefits of Giving Blood by Dr Mercola
View
1
Potassium for weight loss
View
1
Massage oil of fresh ginger and coconut oil relieves joint pain
View
1
Vagus nerve stimulation thru breathing, laughs and yoga
View
1
Should California be a separate country?
View
1
Breaking the habit of being yourself by Dr Joe Dispenza
View
1
Is mistyping words a sign of Alzheimers?
View
1
Can hirsutism get reduced over time?
View
1
What’s a good analogy to explain the immune system?
View
1
Root Canal and Implants by Dr Mercola
View
1
Dogfish shark steroid could help to prevent the build up parkinson’s
View
1
Sharing Economy Tax Center
View
1
Breast milk, saw palmetto, bitter melon and virgin coconut oil for fat digestion
View
1
Liver cancer , China has 50% of worldwide cases, Molds in food
View
1
Histamine intolerance, genes and diet by Dr Lynch
View
1
Eat folate-rich whole foods to prevent Down Syndrome
View
1
What foods and supplements are proven to repair DNA?
View
1
Chimps Perform Grooming Behaviors the Same Way Their Moms Did
View
1
Boron in Almonds and avocados for your bones
View
1
Slimy veggies, saluyot and okra fight cancer
View
1
Is crab high in good or bad cholesterol?
View
1
Nitric Oxide for strong blood vessels’ cells , up with exercise, melons, cucumber, Vit C, E, amino acid – L-arginine, L-citrulline
View
1
Lung cancer and heavy metal toxins
View
1
Neck pain and MTHFR gene , folate , methionine
View
1
Fight VIRUS with Enzymes from pineapple and papaya, baking soda, alkaline food, calcium and magnesium from whole foods
View
1
How important is the thymus gland in keeping your body free from diseases?
View
1
What are the benefits of eating chicken soup during pregnancy?
View
1
Can Adderall damage to dopamine receptors be repaired?
View
1
Digestive enzymes help in healing fractures, preventing kidney stones and heart disease and more
View
1
What does the phrase “vindictive personality” mean?
View
1
Herbal oil for Lice, Scabies and skin issues
View
1
Telemedicine and the Coming Physician Shortage
View
1
Antisocial personality disorder in 70% of prison inmates
View
1
In turning down Mexico’s offer of disaster aid, Trump chose ideology over helping victims of Hurricane Harvey
View
1
Early synapse loss to Alzheimer’s disease
View
1
How to be an IHSS caregiver provider
View
1
Alzheimer’s protein may spread like an infection, human brain scans suggest
View
1
Immortalized IPS cells from your blood sample can help heal
View
1
Hiccups: Natural Ways to Get Rid of Them Fast
View
1
16 Tips On How To Treat HPV Naturally And Effectively At Home
View
1
Trump administration plan to cut $10.6 billion from federal education initiatives
View
1
Liver cleanse to help your vision and memory
View
1
Pre-planning with Trust – Medicaid and Medi-Cal and how to pay for nursing costs
View
1
Tea tree oil and baking soda removed my skin tags and warts
View
1
Stomach ulcers root causes
View
1
Brain food , sources of GABA and for brain cell growth
View
1
Companies uniting to change health care through Health Transformation Alliance
View
1
Fungus , raw carrots and prostate cancer
View
1
Eat protein-rich food when drinking alcohol to protect your stomach
View
1
Dr Perlmutter on ADHD and diet, ketosis and Parkinsons, and Dementia
View
1
Thyme herb for toe fungus (guava and comfrey leaves and others)
View
1
Free round trip ticket to the Philippines for a senior care referral to Motherhealth
View
1
Why New Antidepressant Brintellix May Be a Killer
View
1
Butyrate in butter, green bananas , plant oils to burn fat
View
1
Stop aging of your face with DIY Vitamin C serum by wellnessmama
View
1
Diet for cluster headaches
View
1
Yohimbine and sleep apnea
View
1
What does the phrase “vindictive personality” mean?
View
1
Surviving prostate cancer by Dr Mercola
View
1
Taste Of Beer Triggers Release Of Dopamine, happy neurotransmitter ; Cocaine bullies dopamine; MAO affects dopamine levels
View
1
Apple cider vinegar kills parasites, cleansing to the liver and prevents stroke
View
1
Urea cycle disorder , brain and Alzheimer
View
1
Guava leaves and Esophageal cancer
View
1
If You Get the Chills From Music, you have ability to feel intense emotions
View
1
How to Prepare Oregano Leaves for Cough Medicine
View
1
Chest pain, flu and fever
View
1
Cancer signs by Dr Mercola
View
1
Chlorine rich foods are cleansing (avocado, coconut, onions, parsnips)
View
1
Iodine prevents cancer growth; up avocado and reduce caffeine intake to prevent Thyroid cancer
View
1
NAC, activated charcoal , sleep and parasites
View
1
Australia has announced the new skilled occupation list for the immigration 2018
View
1
Cooked banana flowers to ward off infection and stop heavy menstrual bleedsNO

Helping everyone to learn nursing care to promote wellness to terminally ill clients

Can we effect health and wellness with holistic nursing and complimentary health care from caregivers?

Abstract

Why are there more emergency visits to those who have no caregivers? What makes someone live a little longer from a terminal disease? Can depression be lessened with personalize caregiving and bedside care with massage and hugs? After caring for clients who are bed-bound and have terminal illness, we found that the presence of loving caregivers providing massage, preparing healthy meals, and compassionate care with hugs and care helped them live longer and prevent emergencies, lessen depression and help promote wellness.

Problem

How can we find ways to do early nursing interventions with education and support from caregivers and family using holistic and complimentary care.

 Methods

Equip caring caregivers with knowledge and tools to help senior clients live longer.

Use health promotion tool such as smart phones, massage oils, essential oils, healthy and nutritionally-rich cooked meals, health monitoring tools, exercise coaching with simple gadgets such as stretch bands and balls and other health promoting tools and tricks from preventing falls, bed sores, UTI, food poisoning, pneumonia and emergency health issues.

Work as caregiver with clients committed to resolve their health issues and prolong their life span.

Research all educational health-related materials and new research in areas of senior care and other debilitating health issues.

Coach client to choose healthy life changes daily with proper nutrition, massage, body care, exercise and loving companion to make client change mood from depressed to happy.

Teach and monitor caregivers daily on client care and health monitoring.

Do case management visits with clients to reinforce healthy lifestyle and positive health promotion.

Results

Senior client live past the 6 months terminal lung cancer diagnosis with healthy growth and expected to live few more years on oxygen.

 

Conclusion

With loving care and personal attention 8 to 12 hours a day, a caregiver can help bring a terminally ill client to good health and increase his lifespan from 6 months to 2 years.

Personalize care is hands-on caregiving , coaching and loving hugs that robots cannot offer.

When family members are resigned to the care and there is only the caregiver who can implement care, the client can survive and even defeat cancer.

logo

 

 

 

Do not despair of our present difficulties but believe always in the promise and greatness of America

https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/27/politics/john-mccain-farewell-statement/index.html

My fellow Americans, whom I have gratefully served for sixty years, and especially my fellow Arizonans,
Thank you for the privilege of serving you and for the rewarding life that service in uniform and in public office has allowed me to lead. I have tried to serve our country honorably. I have made mistakes, but I hope my love for America will be weighed favorably against them.
I have often observed that I am the luckiest person on earth. I feel that way even now as I prepare for the end of my life. I have loved my life, all of it. I have had experiences, adventures and friendships enough for ten satisfying lives, and I am so thankful. Like most people, I have regrets. But I would not trade a day of my life, in good or bad times, for the best day of anyone else’s.
I owe that satisfaction to the love of my family. No man ever had a more loving wife or children he was prouder of than I am of mine. And I owe it to America. To be connected to America’s causes — liberty, equal justice, respect for the dignity of all people — brings happiness more sublime than life’s fleeting pleasures. Our identities and sense of worth are not circumscribed but enlarged by serving good causes bigger than ourselves.
Fellow Americans’ — that association has meant more to me than any other. I lived and died a proud American. We are citizens of the world’s greatest republic, a nation of ideals, not blood and soil. We are blessed and are a blessing to humanity when we uphold and advance those ideals at home and in the world. We have helped liberate more people from tyranny and poverty than ever before in history. We have acquired great wealth and power in the process.
We weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries that have sown resentment and hatred and violence in all the corners of the globe. We weaken it when we hide behind walls, rather than tear them down, when we doubt the power of our ideals, rather than trust them to be the great force for change they have always been.
We are three-hundred-and-twenty-five million opinionated, vociferous individuals. We argue and compete and sometimes even vilify each other in our raucous public debates. But we have always had so much more in common with each other than in disagreement. If only we remember that and give each other the benefit of the presumption that we all love our country we will get through these challenging times. We will come through them stronger than before. We always do.
Ten years ago, I had the privilege to concede defeat in the election for president. I want to end my farewell to you with the heartfelt faith in Americans that I felt so powerfully that evening.
I feel it powerfully still.
Do not despair of our present difficulties but believe always in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here. Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history. We make history.
Farewell, fellow Americans. God bless you, and God bless America.

 

Trump’s first line of defense has a suspicious shape

Is fealty to Trump enough? Tennessee will tell.

Pistol-packing Rep. Marsha Blackburn, a Trump loyalist, is running against former governor Phil Bredesen for a Senate seat.

Is the Internet evil? We will decide.

Radical technological changes increasingly seem set in stone. But they don’t have to be.

The moral rot is spreading

It’s time for leadership. Republican leaders are ducking.

Those payments to mistresses were unseemly. That doesn’t mean they were illegal.

Campaign finance law is murky about whether paying hush money to a mistress is a “campaign expense” or a personal expense.

  • Bradley Smith
  • ·
  • 3 hours ago
  • ·

Celebrating my Asian face and American spirit, at last

“Crazy Rich Asians” speaks to Asian Americans striving to navigate between two worlds.

  • Jenn Fang
  • ·
  • 3 hours ago
  • ·

The silver bullet for student debt: Bankruptcy

Universities should be held financially accountable, in whole or part, when their graduates declare bankruptcy on student loans.

  • F.H. Buckley
  • ·
  • 3 hours ago
  • ·

Impeachment? Don’t hold your breath.

Manafort’s conviction and Cohen’s guilty plea are not enough to remove President Trump from office.

The spectacular greed and stupidity of Team Trump

Manafort, Cohen and their former boss deserve each other.

Trump meets his real enemy

This was not a bank shot. It was a direct hit.

Trump is an illegitimate president whose election is tainted by fraud

If Congress won’t start an impeachment inquiry, voters should kick the bums out.

Are we richer than we think?

Conventional wisdom holds that incomes are ‘stagnant,’ even when — as a Pew study indicates — they’re moving ahead slowly.

The con man in the cardinal’s cap

Every day that Donald Wuerl continues in his job as archbishop of Washington injures every victim and every Catholic.

Load More

Did Trump commit a crime? Congress must find out.

This is no time for lawmakers to put their heads in the sand.

Republicans should send Duncan Hunter packing

The indictment of Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter reveals a host of alleged absurd misdeeds.

How far will Myanmar go to cover up an atrocity?

Two Reuters journalists — and democratic principals — are on trial as the nation erases evidence of genocide.

People light candles during a vigil for the victims of sexual abuse by priests outside the Cathedral in Santiago, Chile, Monday, Aug. 20, 2018. Chilean authorities raided the headquarters of the Catholic Church's Episcopal Conference last week as part of a widespread investigation into sex abuse committed by members of the Marist Brothers order in the South American country, prosecutors said.(AP Photo/Esteban Felix) (Esteban Felix / AP)
People light candles during a vigil for the victims of sexual abuse by priests outside the Cathedral in Santiago, Chile, Monday, Aug. 20, 2018. Chilean authorities raided the headquarters of the Catholic Church’s Episcopal Conference last week as part of a widespread investigation into sex abuse committed by members of the Marist Brothers order in the South American country, prosecutors said.(AP Photo/Esteban Felix) (Esteban Felix / AP)
Reforms alone won’t be enough.

The answer to GOP dog whistles? Democrats should talk more about race, not less.

Our survey found that Democrats can win with messaging that ties race and class together.

  • Ian Haney López, Anat Shenker-Osorio
  • ·
  • 5 hours ago
  • ·

Trump’s real problem is that he obstructed justice, and Mueller can prove it. Here’s how.

Even before Michael Cohen’s guilty plea, the president was in serious jeopardy.

Will Donald Trump distract from his troubles with foreign policy?

This is a president who likes to buck the conventional wisdom.

CIA officers learn to keep quiet. Why are so many of us speaking out about Trump?

And why is the White House so eager to retaliate against them?

  • Steven L. Hall
  • ·
  • 1 day ago
  • ·

By Trump’s own standard, Obama was better for black Americans than he is

Sorry, but the president has not done more for black Americans than his immediate predecessor, even by his preferred metrics.

  • David Swerdlick
  • ·
  • 1 day ago
  • ·

What is the best way to push back against Donald Trump?

Is it better to stay quiet and take the president’s attacks or fight fire with fire?

An open letter to incoming frosh at colleges from one of your parents

I’m not crying you’re crying.

Trump and Erdogan: Compare and contrast

There are many discomforting similarities between the U.S. and Turkish presidents.

I attended seminary in the 1960s. Priests of my generation need to look within.

I no longer can avert my gaze, rationalizing sexual abuses perpetrated by the clergy as an aberration to be blamed on a few sinful and weak priests.

Load More
Hagiographies of the president share seven core traits.

The answer to GOP dog whistles? Democrats should talk more about race, not less.

Our survey found that Democrats can win with messaging that ties race and class together.

  • Ian Haney López, Anat Shenker-Osorio
  • ·
  • 5 hours ago
  • ·

Trump’s real problem is that he obstructed justice, and Mueller can prove it. Here’s how.

Even before Michael Cohen’s guilty plea, the president was in serious jeopardy.

I’m a Catholic survivor of abuse. I still want to hear the church say it’s sorry.

Reforms alone won’t be enough.

  • Amanda Zamora
  • ·
  • 22 hours ago
  • ·

CIA officers learn to keep quiet. Why are so many of us speaking out about Trump?

And why is the White House so eager to retaliate against them?

  • Steven L. Hall
  • ·
  • 1 day ago
  • ·

By Trump’s own standard, Obama was better for black Americans than he is

Sorry, but the president has not done more for black Americans than his immediate predecessor, even by his preferred metrics.

  • David Swerdlick
  • ·
  • 1 day ago
  • ·

Tariffs won’t help the Rust Belt. But Trump thinks he can turn back time.

The White House’s trade wars are based on nostalgia, not economics.

  • Edward McClelland
  • ·
  • 2 days ago
  • ·

We wanted Turkey to be a partner. It was never going to work.

When you strip away the rhetoric, the relationship between NATO allies has often been prickly.

  • Steven A. Cook
  • ·
  • 5 days ago
  • ·

Silicon Valley’s attempts to self-police are anti-democratic. They’re also not new.

In the 1940s, a political movement known as Technocracy, Inc. set out to treat citizens as passive users.

The harm of Virginia’s illicit tobacco trade

Smuggling is a serious problem that lawmakers should address.

  • Joe Fox
  • ·
  • 5 days ago
  • ·

Landlords in Montgomery County should have to give just cause for evictions

Renters deserve consumer protections, too.

  • Matthew Losak
  • ·
  • 5 days ago
  • ·

D.C. should stop suspending driver’s licenses for unpaid fines

The District’s policy punishes people for being poor.

  • Ariel Levinson-Waldman, Joanna Weiss
  • ·
  • 5 days ago
  • ·

The FBI building belongs in D.C. — at Poplar Point

With natural protection and easy access, it’s an easy choice.

  • Jack Evans
  • ·
  • 5 days ago
  • ·

D.C. and Congress can help families in financial straits. Here’s how.

An extension of the earned-income tax credit would boost savings.

  • David Newville, Joanna Ain
  • ·
  • Aug 10
  • ·
Load More
Most Read Opinions
  • 1

    Opinion The moral rot is spreading
  • 2

    Opinion Trump meets his real enemy
  • 3

    Opinion Trump is an illegitimate president whose election is tainted by fraud
  • 4

    Opinion Is fealty to Trump enough? Tennessee will tell.
  • 5

    Opinion Those payments to mistresses were unseemly. That doesn’t mean they were illegal.
subscribe
The story must be told.
Subscribe to The Washington Post
Voice Your Opinions
Have questions about Post content or practices?
Write a response to a piece in The Post.
Make an argument about a topic in the news.

 

Trump Implicated

Highlights

Editorials

More in Editorials »

Op-Ed Columnists

More Op-Ed Columns »

Preventing Elder Abuse, Assault and Theft

Today, many elders are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation in a plethora of ways. Unfortunately, an excess of these cases go unreported and unnoticed to the public. With that said, it is important to address the topic to prevent elder abuse from becoming more prevalent. This guide will address the different types of elder abuse, how to address and prevent them, and also how to avoid becoming a elderly victim of theft.

Expert Spotlight: Elder Abuse

What The Experts Say

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse can take many different forms. Essentially, it is the infliction of physical, verbal/mental, financial, or sexual harm on an older adult. It can also take the form of neglect from a caregiver, whether it’s intentional or not. Let’s take a look at the varying types of elder abuse and how each can be detrimental to an older person’s life.

The Different Types of Elder Abuse

Physical Abuse

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves a form of force to cause unnecessary injury or pain on a person. This can be anything from severe beatings to rope or chain restraining, for example. Other forms of physical abuse include but are not limited to pushing, pinching, shoving, burning, biting, drowning, and kicking. Physical abuse can be unintentional — someone may intend to help the elder but the behavior can still be considered abusive if the action(s) taken embody any of the above. Last but not least, the inappropriate use of medications and physical restraints can also be regarded as physical abuse.

Verbal/Mental Abuse

Verbal/Mental Abuse

In addition to physical abuse, elder abuse can take a verbal form, which can be mentally disturbing to the victimized individual. Some forms of verbal abuse include name calling or giving the silent treatment to either intimidate or cause distress for someone. It can also take the form of cursing, yelling, or making insulting remarks. When a caregiver, family member, or even a stranger behaves in any of the above ways to cause mental anguish to an elder, it can be considered abusive. If an elderly person feels that they are being isolated or treated like a child through threats or manipulative behavior, they can also feel emotionally abused.

Financial Abuse

Financial Abuse

If an elderly person does not take full responsibility and stay aware of their own financial situation, they are more susceptible to exploitation. This can range from the inappropriate use of the older person’s funds to the act of denying the individual from accessing his or her own funds or home. Fraud, forgery, forced property transfers, or the act of purchasing expensive items with the elder’s money without his or her knowledge are also examples of financial abuse. Financial abuse can also take place on the telephone or face-to-face in the form of solicitation. For example, sales people or so-called friends can perpetrate scams for home repair services, health-related services, and other things that an elderly may need and be inclined to buy into.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse may involve the act of inappropriate touching, rape, sodomy, or coerced nudity. Forcing an elderly person to watch porn or unwanted physical sexual contact with someone else is also considered abuse. While sexual abuse is not always reported, it happens often behind closed doors.

Caregiver Neglect

Caregiver Neglect

Finding the right caregiver for the elderly people in your life is so important because caregiver neglect happens more often than you would think. Some caregivers intentionally fail to meet the social, emotional, and physical needs of an older person. Failure to provide food, water, clothing, assistance with everyday living and activities, and helping with personal hygiene are just some of many different forms of caregiver neglect. Elderly people also often need to take medications at specific times of day to maintain their health. Caregivers may purposely fail to ensure that they do so, causing the elderly to experience health complications in the long run. Some caregivers are responsible for the bills of the older person. If this is the case and they fail to pay the bills on time or use the older person’s money responsibly, they are not being diligent caregivers.

Self Neglect

Self Neglect

Abuse is often done by others, but sometimes older adults neglect themselves too. They may refuse to go to the doctor when they clearly need to be seen, choose not to eat, or overdose on drugs and alcohol, for example. While this guide is more focused on elder abuse perpetrated by others, self neglect is also something worth noting and being aware of. If an elderly person you know practices self neglect, you or someone close to that person may want to consider stepping in and taking some necessary actions to ensure that they are cared for.

Elder Abuse: Signs to Look Out For

If you think someone you know may be a victim of elder abuse, you may want to pay close attention to some of the cues that may signal it. Some of these symptoms can give you an idea of what kind of abuse that person may be going through, which can then encourage the right path of action to take.

Physical Abuse

Physical Abuse

  • Bruise marks anywhere on the body
  • Rope marks on wrists and/or ankles
  • Refusal to seek medical help for injuries
  • Nonchalant attitude towards any of these injuries when confronted about them
Verbal Abuse

Verbal Abuse

  • Isolated personality
  • Odd changes in behavior
  • Unresponsive and doesn’t like to communicate with others
  • Unreasonably suspicious or fearful of everyday things
  • Lack of interest for social interaction
Financial Abuse

Financial Abuse

  • Unusual ATM activity
  • Large withdrawals from bank accounts
  • Signatures on checks don’t match up with the signature of the elder
  • The elder’s life circumstances don’t match up with his or her financial assets
Sexual Abuse

Sexual Abuse

  • Vaginal infections
  • Vaginal or anal
    bleeding
  • Bruised breasts and/or buttocks
  • Torn or bloody undergarments
Caregiver Neglect

Caregiver Neglect

  • Visible weight loss
  • Sunken Eyes
  • Elderly person with dimentia left unsupervised
  • Lack of medical aids, such as walkers, glasses, hearing aids, medications as needed
  • No basic hygiene, enough water/food, or clean clothing to wear
Self Neglect

Self Neglect

  • Refusal to seek medical assistance when needed
  • Visible weight loss
  • Sunken eyes
  • No basic hygiene, enough water/food, or clean clothing to wear
  • Plenty of alcohol bottles laying around the house

Of course, there may be other tell-tale signs of abuse that someone may reveal, but these are some of the common cues that may signal elder abuse.

How to Reduce Elder Abuse & Assault

There are many causes that may lead to elder abuse and assault. For example, elder facilities may not have enough staff members to efficiently care for all the older people that need attention. The good news is that there are many different measures one can take to curb the rates of elder abuse overall and also prevent elder assault from taking place. If you’re looking for ways to reduce elder abuse, consider the following:

Have your elders stay nearby and stay close to family if possible.

Have your elders stay nearby and stay close to family if possible.

Elderly individuals that feel isolated can end up getting depressed or wallowing in sadness and loneliness. They may feel unwanted, like a burden, or feel like others don’t know they exist. By keeping your elders nearby, you are able to offer them assistance when you notice that they need it, or they can easily come to you for help when needed. This reduces the chance of abuse and neglect.

Keep in contact with them.

Keep in contact with them.

By keeping in contact with your elders regularly, you’re not only able to keep tabs on their daily activities and habits, but also offer help when they need it. A good relationship will also make the elderly person feel comfortable enough to ask for assistance when they feel they need it. You’ll also be able to look out for any abnormal changes that may signal abuse.

Encourage elders to attend community events.

Encourage elders to attend community events.

As people get older, they may naturally feel more isolated. Attending community events will help them keep their social life active and stay in touch with things that are important to them.

Inform them of any solicitations they should be aware of.

Inform them of any solicitations they should be aware of.

While scams are not targeted solely to elders, older people may be more prone to falling for them if they aren’t fully aware. When elders have people keeping them informed of any solicitations going on, they are less likely to get conned by someone trying to steal their identity or money.

Don't allow elders to live with others who you know are or may be abusive.

Don’t allow the elderly to live with others who you know are or may be abusive.

This one is pretty self explanatory, but worth mentioning. Someone with a repeated history of violence or abuse will likely manifest themselves again, especially to someone who is vulnerable and weak. Keep your elders away from these people to avoid unnecessary abuse.

Make sure they stay active.

Make sure they stay active.

Activity is important for everyone, no matter the age. Getting enough exercise everyday will help to curb depression and activate “happy hormones.” Staying active in old age can also prolong that person’s life and decrease chances for abuse.

Elders should be responsible and aware of their own finances.

Elders should be responsible and aware of their own finances.

While it’s normal for older people to entrust another family member to help manage their finances, they should ultimately be the one in control of them. By knowing where the money is going, elders are less likely to become victims of financial abuse.

Be selective with caregivers.

Be selective with caregivers.

Caregivers are supposed to care for the elderly, but unfortunately some will put elders at risk for financial exploitation by altering their wills, adding names to financial accounts or land titles without their knowledge, or even use their money on expensive personal items behind their backs. If possible, look for trusted people who can provide additional care for the elderly in your family. This could be other family members or very close friends. If this is not plausible and you are looking for a caregiver, you’ll want to do a thorough screening, and be sure to observe how the caretaker interacts with/treats the older person. Keep close tabs on the elder’s behavior and changes in mood or appearance, as these can give off signs of abuse.

Take Advantage of Support Groups

Take Advantage of Support Groups

Do your research and see what kind of support groups are available for elderly people to join. If you are an elderly person yourself trying to avoid or fight abuse, it may be worthwhile to look into one near you and see if you’re able to join. If you are doing the research for someone, you may inform the older person of the different options that are available to them. Support groups allow people to connect with others facing similar issues, and abuse is less likely to go unnoticed. Elderly individuals who are a part of a social circle are less likely to become victims of abuse, and they are able to speak with each other about any tensions they may have in their lives.

What is Elder Theft?

Elder theft can take many forms, but the three most common are monetary theft, identity theft, and home theft. Read on to find out more about these types of theft and how you can avoid them yourself, or help an elderly person that you know avoid them.

Different Forms of Elder Theft

According to the FTC, nine million Americans have their identities stolen yearly. There are three common types of elder theft, including monetary, identity, and home theft. Read on to find out more about each and the measures you can take to avoid them.

Monetary Theft

Monetary Theft

Financial exploitation is one of the most common forms of elder theft. Misuse or mismanagement of a senior’s money and investments is a prime example of it. Monetary theft usually involves trusted people in the life of the vulnerable elder, such as caretakers, bank employees, doctors and nurses, friends, neighbors, and even the pastor. On top of this, strangers and “professionals” are constantly trying to scam people into buying into their false services or donating money to fake charities. The elderly are less familiar with some of these telemarketing scams and may buy into it as a result.

Elder theft comes with many dire consequences for the victim. The vulnerable adult may end up devastated and experience loss of trust, security, residence, and may be engulfed with feelings of fear, guilt, worthlessness, and self-doubt. If the individual is left with little to no money, he or she may have to become reliant on the government’s safety net programs.

To prevent monetary theft from happening, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

  • Elders should be educated about the common scams by strangers and “professionals,” so that they take charge for their own finances wisely.
  • While it is good to have someone trustworthy to help you manage your finances (like a son or daughter for example), it’s always important to monitor funds and make sure there are no fraudulent activities taking place.
  • By keeping a close tab on funds, you are able to identify right away when something isn’t looking right, and can address the issue instantly.
Identity Theft

Identity Theft

In addition to stealing people’s money, scammers are actively out there trying to get information to commit identity theft as well. Unfortunately, there are so many ways criminals can steal identities if they want to. Some examples include:

  • Stealing Mail – Identity thieves may steal an elderly person’s mail, which may include personal information like bank and credit card statements, checks, and tax information. If an elderly person isn’t careful about what they throw out, these thieves are smart enough to rummage through the trash to find personal and financial information as well.
  • Phishing Online – With email being so prevalently used nowadays, many scammers are sending out spam e-mails that appear to be real. These e-mails may ask seniors to “verify their information” — if they fall for it, then these phishers just got their verified personal information. Yikes!
  • Sending Mail – In addition to stealing mail, identity thieves also send it to seniors. Similar to phishing online, these documents appear to come from trusted sources like banks, charitable organizations, or other well-known companies that people normally look up to. Some seniors cannot tell the difference between what is legitimate and what isn’t, and may fall into the call-to-action that these phishers are looking for. Usually, the scam mail has an “official” letterhead with authentic looking logos and trademarks.
  • Cold Calling – The elderly may also receive solicited phone calls from strangers asking for them to donate money to charities. These strangers may also act like a representative at the senior’s bank, requesting the information that they want in hopes that the vulnerable won’t know any better and will reveal the information requested out of fear.
  • Recording Credit Card Information – Whenever anyone swipes a credit card for a purchase, whether it be at a grocery store, mall, or restaurant, they technically have access to financial records. Thieves are able to steal the numbers and essentially use the victim’s card to rack up insane bills before the senior is even aware that their identity has been compromised.

To prevent identity theft, it is important to practice the following:

  • Before you toss out any mail, make sure that you shred the documents with any personal information. This can be financial/bank statements, credit card statements, and other documents with information that gives away your identity.
  • Keep a close eye on your credit card statement and track your spending. This way you are able to know when something doesn’t look right or if someone has been using your credit card to make fraudulent purchases.
  • Cut up any cards you don’t use before throwing them away.
  • Get a PO box. If you need to send anything out, it may be safest to use this as the sender address.
  • Have checks delivered to your bank or PO box rather than your home address.
  • Anyone with a senior’s driver’s license will have full access to his or her address and can then retrieve bank account numbers and other personal data, so be careful who you let make a copy of it.
  • Never reveal personal information over the phone or by mail, or even the Internet unless you know the receiver.

Many thieves target homes that are specifically occupied by the elderly because they know that they are generally more vulnerable. With that said, not only is it important to make sure that the home is secure, but also carefully select a caregiver if you plan on having one at home. Many home thefts are actually committed by supposed caretakers who eventually become very familiar with the home that the senior they’re “caring for” is living in. That comes with a risk of stolen valuables, money, and even identity.

Considerations for Protecting a Home

Obviously, thieves are always looking out for themselves, so it’s important to do the same and protect yourself and your residence. Being alert of your surroundings at all times and staying aware will help you fend off the criminals. If you’re looking for extra ways to err on the safe side, consider the following:

  • Get a dog. Not only is it nice to have a loyal companion at home, dogs are also great defenders. Many will bark when they sense any unfamiliar people coming close to your home, scaring off potential criminals and thieves.
  • Install a home security and alarm system. If getting a dog is not plausible for you, then this may be a great alternative. A home security system will help you stay alert and aware of what’s going on in different areas of your home when you are and aren’t there. This way, you’ll be able to keep a close eye on any unwanted or suspicious behavior from your phone. If you want, you can even set it up so that a trusted family member can help you monitor as well.
  • Make sure your doorstep area is well-lit at night. Having lights installed outside is totally worth the effort and money as thieves usually frequent dark areas where they think they won’t get caught committing their crime. As soon as a light goes on and shines it at their spotlight, they may be too scared to move forward with what they had in mind and move over to the next house.
  • Keep your doors and windows locked, especially at night.This will hinder the bad guys from having easy access into your home.
  • Become friends with the neighbors. Neighborhood watch can be such an effective way of keeping burglars away from the area. If criminals feel like they might be getting watched, they will go elsewhere. It is also a great benefit to have neighbors that are willing to help each other out. Going on vacation? You may ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your mailbox or collect your mail for you so that criminals can’t go through your personal information.
  • If you plan on having any contractors over for work, be sure to complete a full background check and ask for references. This way, you have a better idea of who you are letting into your home. After the workers leave for the day, make sure to go through your valuables and keep track to make sure everything stays where they should. You’ll want to do the same for a caregiver too if you plan on hiring one.
  • Be mindful of what goes into the dumpster. Criminals are notorious for rummaging through the trash to hopefully find not only personal information, but also packaging that may signal something valuable in your home. For example, if you recently bought a new TV and threw out the packaging, the thief may be tempted to break into your home and find it. To avoid this catastrophe, it’s smart to cut up the packaging and shred any documents with personal information.
  • Don’t accept help from strangers. Many con artists will go door to door with a friendly face offering to help with an assortment of things like mowing your lawn, painting your walls, trimming your trees… you name it! They will often come with another person. They do this to lure you outside to talk to one, while the other enters your home without your knowledge to go through your belongings while you are distracted. The best way to avoid this is to not answer the door if it doesn’t look like a familiar person through the peephole.
  • Use a safe that’s bolted down somewhere inconspicuous in your home, so that it cannot be easily removed. Place your valuables in here, rather than leaving them lying around the house freely for people to take. The less valuables are in sight, the less opportunity people have to steal your items.
  • Keep valuables away from plain sight from the street. If people can easily peek into your window and see a large television or something expensive, they may be tempted to break in when they think you’re away. If you can easily see any expensive items from the window outside, it may be a good idea to keep the curtains drawn especially when you are out of town.
  • Make sure your home doesn’t look neglected. When a lawn doesn’t look manicured, a thief may assume that you haven’t been in the residence for a while, making it safe for him/her to enter. By keeping a well-manicured home, you give one less reason for a criminal to target you.
  • Ensure that your street number is visible from the street.This way, in case of an emergency, the police can easily find you quickly.
  • Check to make sure your alarms and lights are tamper-proof. This way, burglars can’t turn them off when they are trying to get in or have gotten in.
  • Set a timer for lights to go on and off so that it looks like your home is always occupied. This will intimidate some burglars from breaking and entering.
  • Make sure that your garage door is closed all the way before going out. If your garage door by chance malfunctions half way and you’re already gone, there’s a chance a burglar may enter your home while you aren’t present.

Conclusion

Whether you’re an elderly person looking for ways to prevent elder abuse, assault, and theft, or a family member or friend wanting to learn about how you can protect the elders in your life, this guide is designed to help educate individuals to take extra precautions to protect themselves and their homes. Some of these precautions will require extra effort and may even cost you a bit initially, but is totally worth it to avoid unnecessary stress later on.

Additional Resources

You can never be too prepared or protective over your own well-being and home. With that said, we’ve compiled a handy list of reliable resources for your disposal below.

Reasons Seniors Might Use Drugs or Alcohol

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. reports that trouble coping with changes, children moving out, and no longer having a job are significant factors that can result in addictive behavior in seniors. Memory loss, confusion, depression and mood changes can all be signs that an addiction is active. For seniors, the same symptoms that can indicate an alcohol or drug addiction can also indicate an early development of dementia or other cognitive issues.

Why Drug or Alcohol Addiction Is Often Misdiagnosed in Seniors

https://www.truvida.com/treatment/seniors-and-addiction/

Drug or alcohol addiction is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms look like other health conditions one would expect to see in a senior. In addition, seniors are less likely to report significant alcohol consumption or to admit to abusing illegal substances. Although “6-11% of elderly hospital admissions are a result of alcohol or drug problems”, it can be difficult to pinpoint which cases these are. Seniors who go to the doctor frequently for complaints that have no identifiable cause should be screened for alcohol or drug addiction, yet not many are. Lack of training in the signs of addiction in seniors will lead many health care providers to diagnose issues with dementia, memory loss, diabetes, or depression without getting to the root cause that is addiction.

When a Senior Needs Addiction Treatment

There are times when a senior is going to need addiction treatment in order to stop abusing substances. The goal for anyone struggling with addiction is the same, to stop relying on drugs or alcohol to begin living a healthier life. The treatment should be empathetic, with a clear message that addiction can be treated no matter the age of the person.

Some treatment providers don’t focus on addiction with seniors with the thought that it’s too late for treatment or it is not worth treating seniors for addiction. This is not fair for seniors who have an addiction that can be treated, as the quality of life for them can greatly improve. It doesn’t matter how much time a person may have left, as the quality of life should matter the most.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “While substance abuse in older adults often goes unrecognized and therefore untreated, research indicates that currently available addiction treatment programs can be as effective for them as younger adults.” It is important not to minimize the effects of substance abuse on the overall wellness of an individual, no matter what age they are. Treatment for addiction in seniors is both effective and important, giving seniors a better chance at living a healthy life.

How Treatment is Provided for Senior Substance Abuse

Any senior who comes forward wanting help for an addiction should be treated with empathy and respect. The communication should be clear and look at the variety of issues a senior may regularly face. It is when you take into consideration the way in which you communicate with an elderly individual and how you present topics, that treatment will be a different.

It is important to rule out any medical causes of the symptoms that are present. Substance abuse may not be the answer to a senior’s complaints of pain, confusion or depression. The loss of a spouse, job, or no longer being able to drive can all lead a one down a path of depression that is not caused by substance abuse. Careful evaluation is necessary to rule out underlying health problems in conjunction with screening for substance abuse issues.

Like anyone who is struggling with an addiction, seniors will benefit from a supportive atmosphere. When clients are able to talk about their struggles with addiction openly in a professional, empathetic atmosphere, true recovery can occur. It isn’t easy to admit you struggle with an addiction, but the help you find at a professional treatment center is worth taking the risk. Through peer support and learning relapse prevention strategies, seniors can withdraw safely from substances and move forward in their lives in a healthier way. Education around safe practices is important for anyone who needs help with addiction, but particularly true for seniors who may need a number of prescription medications to control health conditions.

When seniors learn about the effects drugs or alcohol are having on their cognition or physical abilities, they are better able to make sound decisions around drug or alcohol use. Some seniors start drinking “to take the edge off” without realizing their behavior is out of their control. Education can go a long way in helping a senior who has an addiction better understand what is going on with their health when they abuse substances.

Treatment Begins with Supervised Detox

The first step in any recovery program for seniors is to detox safely from the drugs or alcohol. This can be more complicated for seniors, who are overall less healthy than younger people and more susceptible to harsh symptoms of withdrawal. While people of any age experience withdrawal symptoms, the effects can be more detrimental for a senior who is trying to withdraw from substances.

After detox, it’s important to continue working on the emotional and behavioral pieces of addiction to gain a better handle on sobriety as a whole. A senior may be surprised to learn that they have an addiction and may not have realized the danger they were putting themselves in by mixing certain medications with alcohol.

Treatment providers are not always clear with seniors regarding medications and alcohol consumption. The thought that it’s too late for help is prevalent among treatment for seniors and is not the best way to manage addiction.

Medication interactions with both alcohol and illegal substances are a common reason for emergency room visits, especially for those who take more than one type of medication. Individual therapy is always recommended for anyone who struggles with addiction. Therapy provides seniors with a person to talk to who is going to have a neutral position when it comes to their substance use issues.

While a senior may have trouble talking to a family member or friend about their addiction, a therapist is easier to talk to. Seniors need to have a safe person to talk to when it comes to an addiction and treatment.

Treatment for addiction in seniors is not only possible, it is essential to the health and well-being of those living with addiction who are older. The best facilities offer seniors a safe, supportive environment to learn more about addiction and withdraw from substances effectively.The treatment involves working closely with a counselor, attending group sessions, and learning about the effects that drugs or alcohol can have on the mind and body. Through a careful look at personal habits and attitudes, it is possible to recover from addiction no matter what age an individual is.

Reasons Seniors Might Use Drugs or Alcohol

The reasons seniors might turn to drugs or alcohol are universal. Many recovery facilities treat seniors who began using substances out of loneliness after a loss of a spouse, siblings or friends. Seniors are at a higher risk for isolation, and this can bring out addictive behavior in some individuals. As navigating life becomes more difficult, some turn to drugs or alcohol for comfort. Like other adults, some seniors become addicted to prescription pain killers and don’t know how to stop or even realize they have an addiction to overcome.

What Drug or Alcohol Addiction Looks Like with Seniors

Drug or alcohol addiction among seniors generally has a subtler appearance. While a working adult might struggle getting to work each day or show signs of physical health problems, an older adult doesn’t generally have a tight schedule to keep. Drug or alcohol addiction signs can be easier to miss, as older adults are also showing signs of deteriorating health because of age.

Signs that a senior is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction include:

    • Habitual drinking that is a routine that can’t be broken.
    • Drinking at home alone or using substances in private. Using medications off-label and requiring additional prescriptions. A senior may state that a pain medication has been lost or stolen in an effort to get more.
    • Newly developed depression or a lack of interest in regular activities. While loss of ability can lead to a lack of interest in participating in activities, so can substance abuse.
    • Frequent trips to medical providers complaining of pain that does not have an identifiable source.
    • Chronic use of sleep aids or tranquilizers.
    • Getting intoxicated despite serious prescription medication warnings.
    • Confusion or memory loss that comes and goes with no clear reason why.