My mom is in a NH for a 90 day rehab plan after a fall. She is very angry and uncooperative. She spends most of her time calling banks, lawyers and police. She told me they were crushing pills in her food, and they wouldn't tell her what they were. I found out from a discharge nurse they had started antidepressants 2 weeks prior. When I looked up the medication, it would likely cause side effects similar to dementia for someone with her particular health issues. A nurse called to tell me the police cane to see my mom because she had called them so many times. Now they are considering sedating her to calm her down. I am her DPOA and have medical powers as well. The nursing home has all the documentation of my POA. They never notified me of this antidepressant. They've only had one planned care meeting in 60 days, and only notified me of her blood pressure med changes. I'm concerned, but no other facility will take her. She is completely bedridden, diapered and needs help with every aspect of every day life, and will most likely be staying after her rehab ends. I comprehend she is a handful and would not disagree with trying medications to help her feel at ease, but I don't think it's okay to do it in secret. Any suggestions?
After learning this, I made it a point during the admission process to make it clear that I intended to discuss what meds were used in the hospital and what meds the treating in-house doctor might want to add. I am anti-medicine except when specifically needed and abhor the practice of doping up elders b/c some doctor thinks it might be needed.
I knew my father better than any of the staff (including doctors) could, and I knew that he was a strong person who took meds only when it was absolutely necessary. Generally he refused them, especially if they were mood type meds.
My sister (a nurse) also took this position when in rehab after hospitalization for near respiratory failure when her cancer began to accelerate rapidly. I also took that position when I was hospitalized for an emergency appendectomy a few years ago. The nurses' approach changed from "we're giving you this medicine" to "do you want this medicine"?
You have every right to know what meds are being prescribed, and ON WHAT BASIS.