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Who are you caring for?
Which best describes their mobility?
How well are they maintaining their hygiene?
How are they managing their medications?
Does their living environment pose any safety concerns?
Fall risks, spoiled food, or other threats to wellbeing
Are they experiencing any memory loss?
Which best describes your loved one's social life?
Acknowledgment of Disclosures and Authorization
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington. Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services. APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid. We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour. APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment. You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints. Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights. APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.I agree that: A.I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information"). B.APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink. C.APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site. D.If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records. E.This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year. F.You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
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Mostly Independent
Your loved one may not require home care or assisted living services at this time. However, continue to monitor their condition for changes and consider occasional in-home care services for help as needed.
Remember, this assessment is not a substitute for professional advice.
Share a few details and we will match you to trusted home care in your area:
So she runs out of medicine before I can refill it. It is a controlled substance so you can only get 30 days at a time. How do I control her taking this medicine?
I found this locking pill dispenser available at Walmart and Amazon for around $100: LiveFine 28-Day Automatic Pill Dispenser with Upgraded LCD Display and Key Lock, Frosted Lid
It's not a link - you can copy and paste it in the search bar. Someone else will need to maintain this system (and keep the key!), but it won't require a daily visit to do so. It looks like there was another, $200 version which uses a phone app to manage.
She can not be in charge of administering her medication!
You say she has a brain injury. I don't want to sound condescending, but you know that means her brain doesn't work as it should, right? Someone else needs to manage, store (in a safe place), and administer her medications.
If you, a friend, or another family member are unable to do this, tell her prescribing physician that she needs someone to administer the medication because she is unable to follow the directions for correct dosing. To be paid by insurance, or Medicare, the person who manages and administers the medication must have the proper recognized credentials. Like a TMA or MA.
If no one is able to manage this at home, then it might be time to look at placement in a care facility which will manage medications and more. Depending on her needs and abilities, that may be a memory care facility, assisted living, or a skilled nursing facility. Do some research now, and tour a few so you know what is available down the road when needed.
Are you the POA or the MPOA (for Medical)? Because if you are not, and if you have talked with her, there is little that is within your power to do.
If this is the case, I would call the APS for an Adult in need of protective services. I would tell them that you are unable to be allowed to help, and that your sister seems mentally impaired and unable to function safely with these medications.
I cannot see, other than communicating with her doctor, what else you can do. I hope others have better suggestions for you and I surely do wish you the best of luck.
There are locking medication dispensers that can be used to dole out her medicine if she’s capable of understanding and using one. Otherwise, she needs more supervision or is at risk of a serious overdose. Consider if she’s safe in the current living situation
I asked AI if taking too much phenobarbital produces a high:
Yes, taking too much phenobarbital can produce a "high" or a feeling of euphoria and reduced inhibitions, similar to alcohol intoxication. However, this misuse is dangerous and can quickly lead to an overdose, which is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Phenobarbital is a barbiturate that depresses the central nervous system (CNS). While a "high" may be the intended effect for recreational users, it is actually a sign of drug intoxication that can rapidly progress to severe complications. The difference between a dose that produces a high and a dose that is lethal can be small, a concept known as a narrow therapeutic index.
Signs of Phenobarbital Intoxication/Overdose If you or someone you are with is experiencing the following symptoms, call your local emergency number (such as 911 in the US) or the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately: Extreme drowsiness or lethargy Slurred or slow speech Lack of coordination, staggering, or loss of balance Confusion or trouble thinking Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing (respiratory depression) Extremely low blood pressure (shock) or a slow pulse Coma (unresponsiveness) Misusing phenobarbital can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Sudden cessation after developing a dependence can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Your sister needs 24/7 supervision with a TBI and for her medication to be locked up and doled out TO her, as is done in AL or nursing care.
Does anyone live with her? How often per day does she take it? Is this because she has some kind of addiction and is choosing to take extra, or is it because of a cognitive decline that she doesn't understand or can't keep track? Is she aware of the time of day, for example?
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
LiveFine 28-Day Automatic Pill Dispenser with Upgraded LCD Display and Key Lock, Frosted Lid
It's not a link - you can copy and paste it in the search bar. Someone else will need to maintain this system (and keep the key!), but it won't require a daily visit to do so. It looks like there was another, $200 version which uses a phone app to manage.
You say she has a brain injury. I don't want to sound condescending, but you know that means her brain doesn't work as it should, right? Someone else needs to manage, store (in a safe place), and administer her medications.
If you, a friend, or another family member are unable to do this, tell her prescribing physician that she needs someone to administer the medication because she is unable to follow the directions for correct dosing.
To be paid by insurance, or Medicare, the person who manages and administers the medication must have the proper recognized credentials. Like a TMA or MA.
If no one is able to manage this at home, then it might be time to look at placement in a care facility which will manage medications and more.
Depending on her needs and abilities, that may be a memory care facility, assisted living, or a skilled nursing facility. Do some research now, and tour a few so you know what is available down the road when needed.
Because if you are not, and if you have talked with her, there is little that is within your power to do.
If this is the case, I would call the APS for an Adult in need of protective services. I would tell them that you are unable to be allowed to help, and that your sister seems mentally impaired and unable to function safely with these medications.
I cannot see, other than communicating with her doctor, what else you can do. I hope others have better suggestions for you and I surely do wish you the best of luck.
Yes, taking too much phenobarbital can produce a "high" or a feeling of euphoria and reduced inhibitions, similar to alcohol intoxication. However, this misuse is dangerous and can quickly lead to an overdose, which is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Phenobarbital is a barbiturate that depresses the central nervous system (CNS). While a "high" may be the intended effect for recreational users, it is actually a sign of drug intoxication that can rapidly progress to severe complications. The difference between a dose that produces a high and a dose that is lethal can be small, a concept known as a narrow therapeutic index.
Signs of Phenobarbital Intoxication/Overdose
If you or someone you are with is experiencing the following symptoms, call your local emergency number (such as 911 in the US) or the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately:
Extreme drowsiness or lethargy
Slurred or slow speech
Lack of coordination, staggering, or loss of balance
Confusion or trouble thinking
Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing (respiratory depression)
Extremely low blood pressure (shock) or a slow pulse
Coma (unresponsiveness)
Misusing phenobarbital can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Sudden cessation after developing a dependence can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Your sister needs 24/7 supervision with a TBI and for her medication to be locked up and doled out TO her, as is done in AL or nursing care.
Do you and your sister live together? Is your sister considered competent to make health-care decisions for herself?