Antibiotics are often prescribed unnecessarily to the elderly, which can lead to all sorts of health problems. In fact, one study showed that nearly 60% of residents in long-term care facilities are given antibiotics daily, even though antibiotics are only necessary in a small percentage of cases. The good news is that there are ways we can protect the elderly from antibiotic overuse. Memory care in River Ridge, LA can play a key role by educating its staff on when antibiotics are necessary and when they’re not. In this post, we will explore the link between memory care and antibiotic overuse, and discuss how we can work together to protect our loved ones from the dangers of antibiotic overuse.
How Does Overuse of Antibiotics Impact the Elderly?
The problem is that when antibiotics are overused, they can lose their effectiveness. And this is a huge issue, considering that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a growing problem in the United States. Memory care communities are in a unique position to help minimize antibiotic overuse. By providing around-the-clock care and monitoring, they can ensure that residents only receive antibiotics when they’re truly needed.
How Can Memory Care Help to Protect the Elderly from Antibiotic Overuse?
Memory care communities are great places for the elderly to live because they can help minimize antibiotic overuse.
How? By providing residents with top-notch care and by promoting good hygiene practices. For example, team members at memory care communities can ensure that residents wash their hands regularly and that they follow a healthy diet.
And if a resident does get sick, the medical team at a memory care community will be able to properly diagnose the illness and prescribe the appropriate medication. This way, the residents can get the prompt treatment they need without running the risk of overusing antibiotics.
What Are Some Things to Consider When Choosing a Memory Care Community?
When you’re looking for a memory care community for a loved one, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
- Find a place that feels like home. The team on duty should be friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere should be calm and soothing.
- Ensure the team members are well-trained in dementia care. The last thing you want is for your loved one to be neglected or mishandled.
- The community should be mindful of antibiotic overuse. Too much antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance, which is dangerous for everyone, but especially for the elderly. So make sure the memory care community you choose is taking steps to minimize antibiotic overuse.
Memory care communities are a vital part of the overall plan to protect the elderly from antibiotic overuse. By keeping those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in a community that is specifically designed to care for them, you can minimize unnecessary exposure to antibiotics and help protect them from the harmful side effects of this type of medication. If you’re considering memory care for a loved one, make sure you ask about the community’s antibiotic policy. Look for a place that takes a proactive approach to curb antibiotic use, and ensures that your loved one is getting the best care possible.
