Senior citizens who live in assisted living or memory care centers often have help with medication management as a part of the services offered. However, many seniors and older adults live independently, are aging in place, or are living with family caregivers. It is essential for those who live in private residences – and those who love them – to understand how important it is to manage prescription drugs properly and safely for maximum emotional and physical health.
Medication Management Mistakes to Avoid
The term “polypharmacy” indicates that an individual has been simultaneously prescribed five or more medications. Although this is an accepted reality for many seniors, the sheer amount of medication can pose a very real health danger. Statistics tell us that 350,000 people are hospitalized each year as a result of negative reactions to prescribed medications – often multiple drugs taken simultaneously. Medication management is vital for preventing potentially serious reactions in aging Americans. As we grow older, we often take several medications, vitamins, and supplements for a variety of health issues – not to mention maintaining overall wellness. For anyone living with mild confusion or memory loss, these medications can be forgotten or taken at the wrong times or dosages, resulting in perilous scenarios.
Do You See Multiple Specialists? Not only can mental health issues result in errors, but a single person with multiple doctors may suffer harm if those physicians do not adequately coordinate care.
6 Medication Management Recommendations
Seniors who perform their own medication management – or their caregivers – should be aware of these tips and recommendations.
- Review medications with your physician: Document all prescribed medications’ brand names and dosages (from all specialists) and bring the list to your primary healthcare provider. Don’t forget any supplements, OTC drugs, or vitamins you take.
- Learn about potential drug interactions: Reading medication inserts is helpful, but make sure to let your primary care physician know about any new prescription or OTC medications to ensure the new addition will safely interact with current medications.
- Understand potential side effects: Educate yourself about possible side effects before taking any new medication, and be aware of any changes in the mind or body when the drug is taken – such as changes in weight, appetite, sleep habits, energy level, and cognitive ability.
- Be wary of self-prescribing: With the proliferation of the internet, it is easy to read about new vitamins, supplements, or medications we think will help us. Seniors should become educated and consult with their doctor should they wonder about a new prescription of any kind before “self-administering” a drug that may reduce the effectiveness of their current regimen.
- Stay vigilant: If your senior loved one lives independently and handles their medication management, check in on them to ensure the medication is being taken correctly. If they are showing signs of memory loss, consider setting up a reminder system to help them. If their memory loss is early-onset dementia, however, they may need more assistance.
- Have a regular pharmacy: Those who have multiple doctors should seek to have a single, experienced pharmacist who knows all of the medications, understands your medical history, and can spot medication contraindications.
Medications and prescription drugs are designed to enhance the quality of life. But they can also be dangerous – so remaining alert and involved in the administration of all health treatment is crucial. If you have a senior loved one who requires more attentive medication management and care, visit A Banyan Residence in The Villages to learn more about our services.
