Opioid Misuse Creates a Strain on Families

Between 2004 and 2016, there was an eightfold increase in opioid treatment by employers. By 2016, employers around the country spent a total of about $2.6 billion when it came to treating opioid use and misuse. More than half of that money went to treating dependents, such as children. This is a big concern, especially because so many of the issues that surround opioid misuse are completely preventable.

 

With that huge expenditure dedicated to helping those who either purposefully or unintentionally misused opioids, it’s no wonder that President Trump was so concerned about the epidemic that we’re seeing. There’s no doubt that there are some positive aspects to the use of opioids, but the potential for misuse is also there, and it’s clearly being taken advantage of.

 

Employee health plans have seen a huge decrease in the coverage of opioid prescriptions because of the fear of addiction and misuse. Many are choosing to no longer cover these drugs. Between 2009 and 2016, prescription payments declined by 27 percent–partially because of this. However, there is still a huge issue with opioid related problems, and employers are only one of the institutions that are being hurt because of it. For every $5 increase in insurance costs, employers typically cover $4 of it.

 

Opioid misuse is creating a large financial strain on businesses and families.

 

In reality, it is families that are hurt the most when drugs of any sort are misused. When a loved one suffers from opioid misuse, it has an impact on the entire family. This is especially true of elderly individuals who are at a higher risk of health complications as a result of opioids. They tend to have a higher rate of premature mortality. This is also the segment of the population that is most likely to be prescribed opioids because of pre-existing and more severe health issues.

 

Not only does the financial strain of drug misuse hurt families, the emotional impact is incalculable. Seeing someone that you love hurt because of drugs–prescription or otherwise–is devastating. That’s why it is so important that you take steps as a family to protect yourselves. This might mean getting a second opinion when opioids are prescribed, or it may mean hiring a caregiver to help supervise medications while you are out of the house. Of all the duties that an in-home care specialist can perform for an elderly loved one, this is one of the most important. It is very easy for someone to forget whether they’ve taken a pill or not, and having someone who’s been trained to monitor these things on your side can make a world of difference.

 

Feel free to give us here at Paradise In-Home Care a call today if you have further questions about care. In-home care is not the only type of senior care out there, and it isn’t always the right choice for everyone. We can schedule a free consultation with one of our care professionals and answer your questions to ensure that your family gets the best care for your unique situation and needs.

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