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    Did you know? Your pharmacist will apply an automatic $15 per prescription limit for children 14 and under, starting July 1, 2008 (drugs in the Formulary, or with approved Exception Drug Status). Outside Saskatchewan, save your receipt and apply for reimbursement. Risk of Problem Gambling Problem Gambling and Older AdultsAfter working hard to make a living and raise a family, many older adults look forward to time for themselves to do the things they want. There have never been so many opportunities to fill the free time. Recently, gambling has become an activity many seniors pursue. The growing number of enticing offers from gaming establishments seem too good to pass up. What's wrong with spending time away from home, in the company of others while having a little fun? Nothing, as long as gambling does not become the most exciting activity in someone's life. It is important to maintain a balance. Careful decisions are needed about how you spend your time, money and energy. Your spouse's gamblingLiving with the consequences of problem gambling is not easy; the emotional and financial toll can be devastating. For couples living together for many years, maybe even decades, the thought that your spouse would jeopardize your retirement future is difficult to understand and often beyond belief. Life savings may be spent gambling and there is no money for daily living expenses. You are depressed and your heart aches from all the lies. You feel alone and without hope. You are embarrassed and you don't know where to turn. It is especially difficult and stressful to ask for help if you have always been proud of your independence. It is important to know that you are not alone. It is also important to know that many other people have faced exactly the same difficulties as you are facing. There are people who can help you work through your problems. Do not be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. Your adult child's gamblingOlder adults are affected by problem gambling when their adult child has a problem. Many families see paying the gamblers' debts an easy solution to the financial problems. This bailout strategy rarely proves effective in the long run. The gambler is relieved of any responsibility for their gambling debts. More often than not, once the financial pressure is off, most return to gambling believing that the next time they're in trouble, someone will bail them out. Individuals with gambling problems have high rates of relapse - promises to quit usually do not last. Most go back to gambling. You cannot control your child's behaviour, but you can limit their access to money for gambling. Do not loan/give money to the gambler. The best support you can provide is to encourage them to seek help. In some situations adult children have power of attorney over their parent's finances. If your son or daughter has power of attorney and you suspect they have a gambling problem, it is important to immediately change that arrangement before your life savings are gone. It is important to act as soon as possible, talk to someone you trust so that your family assets are protected. |
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