I just moved into a New York State Assisted Living Program (I am 60) I take several medications, (I self administer medicate) one of which is Tramadol (a controlled medication). While I lived on my own, obviously I took all of my meds on my own. I took Tramadol, without incident (taking the medication as it is prescribed). I am sure just like others who take this medication, along with all other controlled medications- Why can't I self administer my Tramadol?
I understand the Opiod crisis, but like I said while I lived on my own I took Tramadol without incident.
Tramadol is a strong pain killer. In my Moms situation it caused hallucinations and had to be dropped.
Does your stat have an Ombudsman? This is a person who peaks on your behalf. Ask the Social service director who is the Ombudsman in your area--or teh equivalent. Perhaps you can find out wh the rules and regulations are--State and facility. Each resident has a Negotiated Care plan of some sort. Perhaps you can add into the Care plan your self-management of medications, including the controlled substance. With some guidelines specifying how you use it, how the usage is documented and tracked, and what the parameters will be if you misuse it based on your agreed-upon set of rules and guidelines. In other words you need to build trust with them that allows you to manage the medication yourself. The Ombudsman, or whoever, should b able to help you negotiate this. Ask them, under directed contract, to give you time to prove yourself worthy of managing the medication yourself. Then, if you don't or are unable to follow those rules, or get into dfficulty they can take back the responsibility of managing the medication.
All they have is your word about how you managed the medication. Of course all bets are off if the State law prohibits it. But don't take the facility's work on that , find an independent person to help you negotiate this very important right to self-care.
Good luck. I just moved into a Senior Retirement Center, and one does give up certain rights, even if it is as simple as how you like your chicken cooked, or as complex as managing a controlled substance.
Judy Mata, RN