According to INSEE, 74% of seniors who live in retirement homes or nursing homes use psychotropic drugs, compared to 25% of those who stay at home. Why such a difference ?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, hypertensives or even psychotropic drugs, the elderly consume too many drugs every day. INSEE has made its study public “France, social portrait” in which she sheds light on the latter type of treatment. Psychotropics include anxiolytics, hypnotics, neuroleptics and antidepressants. And according to the study, seniors over 65 in institutions, that is to say in retirement homes, nursing homes or even long-term care units consume much more than those who live at home. They are 74% to take psychotropic drugs in institutions against 25% at home.
Happier at home, less in a retirement home
The psychotropic drugs most consumed by the elderly are antidepressants and anxiolytics (against anxiety). Still according to INSEE, this consumption gap between institution and home is explained by better well-being when living at home. Thus, nearly one out of two seniors obtains a mental health score above 80 out of 100. In institutions, only 24% obtain such a score. Very often, the elderly who are in a retirement home or nursing home are there because they don’t really have a choice.
They would obviously prefer to stay at home. In addition, seniors placed in institutions are more affected by physical, sensory or cognitive problems that can affect their morale. “This difference confirms both the lower level of psychological well-being of residents in institutions, but may also reflect a more systematic management of these problems within institutions”, summarizes the study.
Women suffer more
There is also another gap than that between the retirement home and his home. It’s the gender gap. Because according to the INSEE study, women consume almost twice as many psychotropic drugs as men who stay at home. It’s hard to clearly explain why. But one thing is certain, it is that the social bond is essential to ensure its well-being. Have visits from loved ones, family, or even a neighbor. Multiplying activities, sports for example, can also improve the morale of our seniors, especially in retirement homes or nursing homes.
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