Medicating the Elderly

international | rights, freedoms and repression | other press Tuesday April 01, 2008 13:02 by Sean Crudden - impero sean at impero dot iol dot ie Jenkinstown, Dundalk, Co Louth. 087 9739945

Is The Issue of "Meaning" Important to The Old?

People who have spent long periods on neuroleptic medication are familiar with the deadening effect it produces, its effect on physical well-being. It requires the utmost in personal resources to maintain any kind of fulfilling or enjoyable lifestyle while taking these drugs. Proof of this is the widespread issue of non-compliance where mental patients are concerned. Plainly the main reason why mental patients resist taking prescribed medication is that all of the medications including newer ones like Risperdal are unpleasant and debilitating.

Who would want to survive into old age if the only option is to be seated in an armchair, drugged in front of a blaring television?

One of the main justifications for neuroleptic drugs when they were introduced in the late 1950's was that the mental hospital became quieter and more orderly. However the order induced is a false type of order based on suppression and a reduced type of human existence for the mental patient. Superficially it might be good for the staff and make their work simpler and less arduous. But, in the long run, the quality of the work nurses and other staff are required to do continues to be impoverished and repetitive and there is little meaningful communication with the patient or, even, between patients.

Nowadays the atmosphere in "homes" for old people is reminiscent of the atmosphere prevailing in mental hospital. And of course the common currency in these situations is the medication which is commonly used and over-used.