Vancouver Home Health Care Agency

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Drug interactions

Cannabis and Elderly Care

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Pexels has provided the following image: Safeguarding Vulnerable Populations: Cannabis and Elderly Care – Understanding the Benefits and Risks At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, our commitment is rooted in caring and compassion, ensuring that your well-being remains at the heart of what we do. In this blog post, we delve into the topic of cannabis usage among the elderly, exploring both its potential benefits and risks, and how it intersects with our mission to provide exceptional care to vulnerable populations. Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has gained increasing attention for its medicinal properties and therapeutic potential, particularly in managing symptoms associated with various health conditions common among the elderly, such as chronic pain, arthritis, insomnia, and anxiety. As advocates for holistic and patient-centered care, we recognize the importance of understanding the role of cannabis in addressing the unique needs of older adults. Firstly, let’s explore the potential benefits of cannabis usage in elderly care. Research suggests that certain cannabinoids found in cannabis, such as THC and CBD, possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties, which can provide relief from pain, inflammation, and anxiety, without the adverse side effects often associated with traditional medications. For seniors dealing with chronic pain or discomfort, cannabis may offer a natural alternative or complementary therapy to improve their quality of life and overall well-being. Moreover, cannabis has shown promise in managing symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as neurological conditions such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Studies have indicated that cannabinoids may exert neuroprotective effects, potentially slowing the progression of cognitive decline and motor impairment in elderly individuals with these conditions. As advocates for innovative and evidence-based care, we remain vigilant in exploring emerging treatments like medical cannabis to enhance the lives of our elderly clients. However, alongside its potential benefits, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential risks and considerations associated with cannabis use, particularly in the elderly population. Older adults may be more susceptible to adverse effects due to age-related changes in metabolism, cognition, and overall health. Factors such as polypharmacy, drug interactions, cognitive impairment, and cardiovascular risks must be carefully evaluated when considering cannabis as part of a treatment plan for elderly patients. Additionally, there are legal and regulatory considerations surrounding the use of medical cannabis, which vary depending on the jurisdiction. Healthcare providers must navigate complex legal frameworks and adhere to state regulations regarding cannabis prescription, dosage, and patient counseling to ensure safe and compliant use among elderly patients. In conclusion, while cannabis holds promise as a therapeutic option for managing various health conditions in the elderly, its usage must be approached with caution and informed decision-making. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, we prioritize the safety, well-being, and autonomy of our elderly clients, and we remain committed to staying abreast of the latest research, regulations, and best practices in cannabis-based therapy to deliver the highest standard of care.

Incarceration Vs. Treatment Part Two Of Five

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Incarceration Vs. Treatment Part Two Of Five: Treatment is Less Expensive than Incarceration This is the second part of a five part series on treatment versus incarceration, based on a 2004 study completed by the Justice Policy Institute in Maryland. The findings of the study remain true today, because legislation has not budged in its insistence on incarcerating low-level drug offenders. However, the study found that treatment ordered for these individuals can be cheaper for taxpayers than incarceration of the same individuals. While the numbers are dated, the samples remain the same today. In 1997, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, or CSAT, published a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment services offered by the US Department of Health and Human Services. The report found that the treatment proved cost effective, especially over incarceration. Costs, at that time, ranged from $1,500 per person to $6,500 per person. Even with inflation and today’s rates, that cost is still significantly less than incarceration. The United States government put it simply on its drugabuse.gov website, in today’s numbers. One year of methamphetamine rehabilitation costs $4,700 per patient, while one year of incarceration for the same person costs taxpayers $24,000 per person. It’s simple to see which option is the better financial option, and the least amount of burden on the taxpaying communities of every state in the nation. However, the question remains: do addicts return to their habits after rehabilitation? The sad answer is, yes, they do, however, as stated in part one of this series, addicts entering prison are more likely to commit a crime than those who enter rehabilitation. Therefore, even though the person may need repeated rehabilitation services, the cost will still remain lower than sending the same person to prison, risking their return to prison through crimes that would not have been committed if the person had simply went to rehabilitation. Unfortunately, drugabuse.gov tells us that 40-60% of users relapse after rehabilitation, however, even repeated visits to rehabilitation facilities equals less money spent than one year of incarceration. Many states are looking at treatment as an alternative to incarceration, especially as taxpayers realize the associated costs. Brooklyn, in New York City, has been using a rehabilitation option for nearly two decades, with higher rates of employment and small rates of repeated criminal activity. Drug addiction, when treated as a mental disease and not a crime, costs less for society, as the 2004 Justice Policy Institute study proves. The study’s findings hold true today, when a number of communities are turning to rehabilitation over incarceration. If you’d like to talk more about the cost of incarceration versus rehabilitation, contact Vancouver Home Health Care Agency today. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

Amphetamines

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The Neurological Effects of Amphetamines Amphetamines are drugs commonly prescribed to patients and in wide use in the medical community.  They include medications such as Adderal, Ritalin and Concerta. They are the most common drugs on the black market because they are still legal in a medical context. However, the medical response to the illegal sale of these drugs is the regulation of prescriptions. For example, if a person is prescribed Adderal, the prescription will only be filled once a month. The patient is entered into a drug database to avoid patients visiting multiple doctors seeking drugs, and pharmacies keep stringent records of patients receiving these drugs. What the Drugs Do for Ill Patients The drugs are designed to regulate a person’s brain when something isn’t right. Adderal is prescribed to help ADHD patients concentrate, because the concentration center in the brain is not working correctly. The drug also helps curb impulses, keeping a person calm and helping him or her with reasoning skills. Paxil, an anxiety medication, works in the same manner, helping the brain fire neurons correctly, so a person feels calmer and can function in society. What it Does to a Properly Functioning Brain A person whose neurons fire correctly and who does not need the drug to regulate brain function feels a high when on these drugs. All these drugs are stimulants; they help increase dopamine in the brain, helping the brain function correctly. Stimulants are diagnosed in careful increments, to slowly increase the dopamine in the brain. The high comes when someone takes more than the recommended dosage, or when a person already has the correct amount of dopamine in the brain. An addict feels a sense of euphoria through the increase in dopamine. The drugs make the person feel good, which leads to addiction and an increased need for the drug. Those with no abnormal dopamine levels raise their levels through drug abuse; unfortunately, those who suffer from low dopamine levels are often victims of theft from addicts. Amphetamines have been a problem for decades, which has led to the aforementioned response from the medical community. These drugs are still easy to obtain and easier to abuse, which makes them one of the most dangerous drugs available. If you’d like to talk more about amphetamine effect on the brain, contact Vancouver Home Health Care Agency today. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

Avoiding Multiple Vitamin Overdosing

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Avoiding Multiple Vitamin Overdosing Multiple vitamin overdose is a serious issue for older patients, especially those who can’t remember if they have taken their multivitamin for the day. An overdose happens when a person intentionally or accidentally consumes more than the recommended amount of supplements. It is a serious issue that happens too often with older Americans. The poisonous ingredient in a multivitamin is any ingredient. While iron and calcium are the most dangerous supplements, any of the ingredients are toxic in larger amounts. Symptoms of Overdose: Cloudy Urine Increased and Frequent Urine Dry or Cracked Lips Increased Sensitivity to Light and Eye Irritation Irregular or Rapid Heartbeat Joint or Bone Pain Muscle Pain or Weakness Confusion or Seizures Fatigue Fainting Mental or Mood Changes Headache Flushing of the Skin Cracked Skin Burning Skin or Rash Yellow Areas on Skin Hair Loss and Sun Sensitivity Constipation Loss of Appetite Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea Weight Loss Care at Home It is important to avoid making an overdosing person throw up. DO NOT make him or her vomit unless a Poison Control Center has instructed you to do so. Call emergency care with the following information: Person’s age, weight and exact condition Name of product (grab the bottle for specific questions from the medical professional) Time and amount swallowed The National Poison Control Center can help. They are available anytime, anywhere, at 1-800-222-1222. This hotline will connect you to experts in poisoning. There are ways to ensure no one overdoses on multivitamins. Contact a professional at Vancouver Home Health Care Agency to go over these methods of avoidance, or to ask questions regarding the use of a multivitamin. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

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