Government report says that over half of the elders in British Columbia care homes are given anti-psychotic medications

The B.C. ministry of health released a report [opens to PDF] in December which revealed that just over half of all elders in residential care facilities are being medicated with anti-psychotic drugs. The report identified a need for greater awareness of issues surrounding dementia and health care consent. Advocates and experts in the care of elders are concerned about the high rate of atypical anti-psychotic use in long-term care settings. (more…)

Dealing with family and individual challenges

The author of a newly-updated Nursing Homes and Assisted Living guide aims to help people choose appropriate care and learn how to advocate for their loved ones in complex care environments. The guide also looks at issues related to assisted living.

Peter Silin, who wrote the first edition of the guide ten years ago, also encourages a deeper exploration of symptoms that may be attributed to being “due to old age.” (more…)