DEAR ABBY: This is in response to "At the End of My Rope," whose 76-year-old grandmother ignores advice about her health.
First, I would recommend that she call Grandma's primary care physician to make sure he or she is aware of the family's concerns and of all her medications. Second, one of the children should go with her on the next medical visit to hear what the doctor has to say. (Having another set of ears at a doctor's visit is a real benefit.)
Third, is there a specialist in geriatrics in the area? Perhaps Grandma needs an evaluation to see if there is something else wrong or if the medicines are interacting in a negative way. Fourth, there are medication boxes available to help people manage their dosage. Fifth, all of her medications should be written down and posted on the refrigerator with the times they are to be taken.
Changing a person's eating habits may be difficult, but medicine is a different story. Many people go to a number of doctors and do not tell each doctor what they are taking. Drug interaction can be a real problem. Also, the grandchild should talk to a counselor to reduce her feelings of guilt. -- BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT IN ILLINOIS
DEAR BEEN THERE: Thank you for your informative letter. I'm sure it will be helpful to many readers who find themselves in similar circumstances.