Overmedication of the elderly

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This discussion is designed to see if anyone else has experienced this problem. My family has finally gotten my grandparents away from a "family practice" doctor who was not concerned enough about their care to refer them to a specialist or geriatric doctor. It took my grandfather almost dying from congestive heartfailure because we questioned the amount of medication he was taking. The doctor took him off the medication he needed and left him on medication that there was no reason for him to be taking. It took both of them almost dying to convince them that this doctor did not have their best interests at heart. They are in their early 80's but still live on their own and take care of their own home and themselves. They do not have any issues that would require them to have live in help or be in a home. Since then, we have become totally involved in their medication and doctors visits, which has revealed some disturbing trends with the previous doctor. 1. Both on diabetic medication with out any testing. 2. Both on medications that surpress your pulse but should only be used if you have a pacemaker (they did not at the time, now they both have pacemakers and are on some of this medication but at a greatly reduced dosage.) 3. One was on medication for alzheimers but had never been tested. Turns out he was showing some signs of dementia because he was so sick from the medicine and his heart was barely beating. When asked to refer them to a specialist or geriatric, he tried to scare them into staying with him. Since they switched to a different doctor, they are healther and happier than they have been in at least 10 years. Now, I am not saying it was the type of medicine he was practicing. There are plenty of good doctors in all fields. I am saying, please be aware of what medications your loved ones are taking and ask A LOT of questions about why they are taking it. If the doctor can't or won't tell you, find another doctor. My grandparents were lucky to have people that were looking out for them. Please take note of our elderly and check on the ones who are alone.