What’s the Best Way to Help Seniors Take Medication Safely?
Many older adults take multiple medications to manage conditions. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that 29 percent of Americans take more than one. Taking several different medications increases the risk for drug interactions and medication mix-ups. One of the responsibilities that many family caregivers face is making certain older adults take medications safely. Below are some tips to help you manage medication safety for your loved one.
Elderly Care in Spokane Valley WA: Medication Safety
Keep a List.
Create a list that includes all of the medications the older adult takes. Include the names of the medicines, the doctor who prescribed each of them, what the medication is treating, the dosage and time each medication is taken, and if refills are needed. The list should be updated each time a new medication is added, when there is a change in dosage, or when a medication is stopped. Use the list to keep all medical providers informed about the medications the senior takes and ask their primary care physician to review the list annually.
Use an Organizer.
Pill organizers can help older adults to take only the pills they need at the times they need them. A family caregiver divides the pills into compartments for each day of the week. There are pill organizers that have morning and evening compartments for each day as well.
Watch for Side Effects and Interactions.
Be aware of potential side effects for all medications and watch for signs of them. Report side effects to the senior’s doctor. Sometimes drugs interact with other medications, even over the counter ones. If you notice any unusual symptoms, contact the doctor.
Use One Pharmacy.
Having all prescriptions filled through one pharmacy keeps medication records all in one place. This allows the pharmacist to alert you if there are medications that may interact with one another.
Use Technology.
Consider purchasing a clock designed to remind the older adult to take medications. Alternatively, try setting reminders on the senior’s smart phone or other electronic device.
Store Medicines Safely.
Be sure to check the expiration dates for medicines periodically and discard any that are outdated. Keep all medications in the containers they came in and with their instructions. If the older adult has cognitive impairments, it’s a good idea to keep medications out of their reach or in a locked cabinet.
Hiring an elderly care provider through an agency is also an excellent way to help older adults take medications safely. An elderly care provider can remind the senior to take medications on time. They can also make sure that seniors don’t accidentally take a dose twice. Elderly care providers can also watch for signs of side effects or medication interactions.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Spokane Valley, WA, please contact the friendly staff at Love at Home Senior Care, today. Call (509) 204-4088
Sources
https://www.bemedwise.org/medication-safety/medication-therapy-management-for-seniors
https://www.cdc.gov/medicationsafety/basics.html
His role in Love In Home Senior Care is to educate people on what care choice is the best fit for the senior and their family while attempting to make this decision as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.
This decision making process should be smooth and stress free for everyone, including all family members and their loved ones. Having access to people with experience (like the team at Love In Home Senior Care) to assist you along the way can help this process. With an extensive background in health care, Andy has the experience needed to guide and direct your loved one to the choice that is the best fit.
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