Drugs at Nursing Homes?

Wow great news, although his health issues are not better, his spirits being lifted are definitely a great sign. I have often wondered when a person is sick and gets depressed that it takes longer if ever to get well if they are depressed. Nursing homes today are a lot different then before they actually have activity coordinators to make sure the residents get activity stimulation. When he saide see ya later alligator, that is wonderful, I too am laughing right now also. This is such an old phrase that is still always fun to hear. I am happy for him and you all and hope he does get well.

Thats great news. Maybe your dad is making the best of it. He knows if he wants to come home he has to get better. He has to do his PT, he has to get stronger. Also the first thing that popped in my head, he has people to talk to, people to visit with and do things with. He can be social, he can make friends. I'm not saying that he doesn't get to talk to people at your house, and that he doesn't get to do anything. Please don't misunderstand me, you take great care of your dad. I have seen plenty of pics and heard plenty of stories. I think I remember you saying he would sit in his chair and basically do nothing. Where he is at now, he can't just do that. He has to participate and do something, specially if he wants to come home. He reminds me of my hubby's grammy. She was very upset when she went to a nursing home. But after awhile she got to like it, she made friends, she got to visit with people, she got to be social. I do realize your dad hasn't been there that long and it should be short term. Hopefully he is just making the best of it.

For them to give him anti depressants or mood elevators, his doctor or the staff doctor would have had to prescribe them. He may be feeling a lot better since the UTI has been treated, as actually they can produce symptoms of dementia and aggressive behavior, as well as causing falls on top of being bad for the pipes. If he were to be given an anti depressant, most of them take thirty days to be at a clinical level that would noticeably improve his moods. I would say that it is more likely he is just stimulated by new surroundings. I am so glad he is not angry or depressed about going there. Some people feel like they rule the world and are the center of the Universe when they go into nursing homes and they enjoy it. Others become bitter and angry about going.

you can find out what they are giving him just ask

Yeah. i think they must have given himself to lift his spirits up too. I am so glad to hear that he felt this way though. Hope he got to play Bingo and had a good time doing it.

Yes most of the time they include a regimine of anti depressents. It helps the elderly people more with coping with their health issues and keeps them in good spirits as much as possible. Also helps with keeping them on a normal sleeping schedual.

Maybe being around folks who were older or less able than he is made him realize he was doing pretty good and made him happy.

Awesome, I am glad your dad is feeling better. As for the meds, I am not sure, but as the next of kin, I wonder if you have the right to know if they are giving him medication for depression. Personally I wouldn't want meds unless it was for pain or to help whatever my physical ailment is, but I guess some people do need it because they can't cope.

I think they do give them "happy pills" to keep their spirits up as much as possible. Or perhaps it's a side effect of one of his meds? I would ask what med changes have been made since he was admitted and compare to his list of meds at home. And ask the nurse what meds he has been put on since going for rehab as there is a Dr that visits the home and will make changes as they see fit. However, they do notify you of these changes especially if you are entitled to such information.

They may have him on anti-depressants, which is common with patients that age who are understandably depressed because of their physical circumstances. They do this, I've heard, because if a patient is depressed it will delay their physical recovery. Perhaps you'll see a change for the good in his condition next time you visit, the mind is a powerful thing.

Hi GPB, that's wonderful to hear. He might just be in a great mood because he has people his age to be around, and someone that is interested in the samething he is. In any case it is good to hear that he is enjoying himself. I hope he feels this way until he is able to come home. See Ya later alligator.

I haven't worked in a nursing home before, despite graduating and having a medical profession. I think this may be a side effect of the medications your dad is taking. The people taking care of your dad would not give something that is not good for him. It's a good thing though that he is in a very good mood when you visited him and that having a high spirit would even boost up your confidence that your dad is really well taken cared of.

I honestly don't know. Anything is possible with nursing homes nowadays. You have to keep a careful watch on them. I heard some nursing homes treat the elderly very badly. I guess if they are giving them something hopefully it's a prescription prescribed by an actual doctor & nothing else.

its good that he excited bout thing and he saying thing but keep a close eye on nursing homes cause sometime they can give out meds there not suppose to.

I know they give out medications but their doctor has to prescribe whatever they take. Maybe he was just having a good day and in good spirits.

Could it be possible this is where your dad would rather be? I know you have done an excellent job of his care but as parents we never want to impose on our kids. It would be like you moving in on your kids. Some feel they are imposing. Just my take on it.

Hey Grandpa Bob.... sorry I'm a wee bit late in responding but life has me busy these days that I wonder if I'm coming or going. I'm sure you understand. About your dad being so cheerful, hmmmm, I'm thinking that maybe he has a few young nurses taking care of him and he's enjoying every minute of it! LOL

I was a nurse at a long term facility for years and you would be amazed at the number of residents that enjoyed being there. I think mainly they enjoyed being around people their own age and having activities to keep them busy. The place where i worked we had to notify the family if new meds were ordered ( of any kind). You might ask them if they do and if not request that in your Dads case that they do. Just be glad that he is having a good time but be prepared in case he eventually asks when he is going home. I havent been on here in a long time and have missed seeing your pictures.

Hi GB~ This is something that you should be asking his doctors. You have the right to know what kind of meds your dad. It most probable that they are giving him some type of pain meds or possibly antidepressants, but that wouldn't work overnight! He also might just be happy to be around people of his own age for a change. He doesn't get out so maybe this is something he likes. Maybe you could take him to a Senior Center when he comes home once in awhile to do something like playing bingo with other people his age. Now that the weather is getting nicer it might be just what he needs to lift his spririts and improve his health!

Have you considered that maybe they FORGOT to give him his meds yesterday??? I used to have a good friend who was a director of a nursing home & he was always telling me to NEVER drink the orange juice at a nursing home as that's where they hide the meds they want the resident's to take!!! He usually indicated that it was the difficult patients that the orange juice was given to, but I often wonder!!!