1 in 4 Chronically Ill Elderly Lives Alone

Almost four out of every 10 chronically ill older people in the United States live alone, a finding that highlights the need to teach family members how to take care of their parents and relatives, a new study says.

"Family members have the potential to significantly help many patients with chronic illness manage their health conditions," study co-author Dr. Ann-Marie Rosland, clinical lecturer at the University of Michigan Medical School, said in a news release. "However, those family members need more than just information to be successful. We need to teach family members communication skills and provide the tools that they can use to encourage patients to stick to their health regimen."

The study authors examined the results of a national health survey from 2006. They found that 93 percent of chronically ill adults aged 51 and older had adult children. But half of them had kids living more than 10 miles away.

"Even when a spouse is available, the vast majority struggle with their own chronic medical needs and functional limitations," John D. Piette, professor of internal medicine at the Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, said in the release.

"Fortunately, most of these people had adult children who could be another source of support for their chronic illness care," he added. "But these relationships are increasingly strained as adult children move farther away from their parents to seek employment or find a more affordable living situation. Distances pose a barrier to the monitoring and frequent support for behavior change that many chronically ill patients need."

The study was published issue of the journal Chronic Illness.


SOURCE: University of Michigan, news release.

ABOUT AMBIEN

Ambien (Zolpidem) was presented in European Union in 1988, and in the U.S. 5 years after. Since its debut in the United States Ambien has turned the most regular ordered sleep drug in America.

Ambien (Zolpidem) is applied to handle sleep troubles (called insomnia). It can assist patients fall asleep quicker, remain at rest longer, and cut the amount of times you wake up in the nighttime. Ambien (Zolpidem) lies in a category of medications named sedative/hypnotics. It impacts chemicals within your brain that can go imbalanced and creates ease to assist you drop off.

Important information about Ambien

Ambien may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking it and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Ambien will make you fall asleep. Never take this medication during your normal waking hours, unless you have a full 7 to 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping.

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking Ambien and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

Ambien can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Until you know how this medication will affect you during waking hours, be careful if you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medication. It can increase some of the side effects of Ambien, including drowsiness. This medication may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Ambien should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

It is dangerous to try and purchase Ambien on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. Medications distributed from Internet sales may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. Samples of this medication purchased on the Internet have been found to contain haloperidol (Haldol), a potent antipsychotic drug with dangerous side effects.

What is Ambien?

Generic Name: zolpidem (zole PI dem)
Brand Names: Ambien, Edluar

Ambien is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems (insomnia).

Ambien (zolpidem) is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep). This medication causes relaxation to help you fall asleep.

Ambien may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.