EDITORIAL RESPONSES
/Multiple Editorial Responses/
Editorial List
These are just some of the many responses we
received from several Editorials ending with
Managing Meds
-
Medication Management
http://caregiver.com/eblast/managing_meds.htm
I want to thank you for CAREGIVER coming to my
computer and how it is becoming more important. When
I married my husband, we planned to travel: "Have
dough, will go." He was diagnosed with PSP
(progressive supranuclear palsy) last week and we
are reeling under the news. But I had been
reading your newsletter...You have given us so much
information that I can face setting this next
chapter up in our home.
I told him when I met him that I was not a
caregiver, perhaps he should have married a nurse,
but that I would provide the best possible care for
him. I just read your information on
medications. Recently, I took over that job
because I know how important it is for him to have
the right doses at the right time.
I forwarded
CAREGIVER newsletter to the care team
working with us. We were lucky enough for my
husband to sign up for long-term care insurance and
Genworth is allowing us to feel like we have some
control in managing this situation. It is a horrible
diagnosis...a dreadful disease. And so is
every one of the debilitating killers all of us deal
with. But we are going to do this with as much
style, humor and love as possible. “That which
does not kill us makes us stronger.”
I just wanted you to know that I enjoy your very
personal letters at the beginning of each newsletter
and I will be following you. Somehow this
diagnosis has clarified what we are dealing with and
we are no longer embarrassed by wheelchairs and
walkers, stains, and bibs. My husband is a
great guy, so smart and caring with a bizarre sense
of humor. This is a disability, not who he is.
Keep up the good work. We'll be reading you!
C.F.
I was glad to see your letter on the subject, but
concerned that you did not raise the issue of
coordination of medication. Way too many people,
elderly and/or those with disabilities, are given
medications that are not coordinated by a primary
care physician or a specific pharmacist to ensure
there is not a compromise in the safe and effective
utilization of the drugs. This is as serious a
threat as any of the issues you pointed out, and can
easily lead to an increased mental debilitation in
and of itself. Please remind caregivers and those
they care for to learn about their medications, find
good primary care physicians who want to know all
meds prescribed, as well as OTC’s and eating habits.
Also, the use of a reviewing pharmacist is a great
resource to review the medications’ regimen at least
annually for recommendations and advocacy!
D.K.
Just read your comments on medication safety and
they really ring true. Thank you for your
message to caregivers on this.
Kind regards,
D.S.
