Caregiver Tips: Helping Seniors to Avoid Medication Mishaps
The sad truth is that as we age, we tend to develop health problems. Seniors are often required to take multiple prescription medications for a range of conditions ranging from high blood pressure to diabetes. Keeping track of several medications is difficult at any age but for seniors it is often a major problem. Consider the fact that 30 percent of admissions to hospital for older adults are drug related, according to the National Institutes of Health. Taking medication improperly is often fatal. Below are some tips for helping seniors avoid the most common medication mishaps.
1. Document Their Medications
Make a note of the name and the dosage along with how often they are to take it. In addition, note the name of the doctor who prescribed it. Make copies of this note. Leave one copy with your loved one and keep one with you.
2. Play an Active Role in Their Healthcare
Go with them to appointments and get their consent to talk to doctors. You will need their permission since HIPPA regulations prevent health care providers from talking to you without it.
3. Read the Fine Print
It is important to read directions on both prescription and over-the-counter medication. If there is anything that you do not understand, ask your pharmacist.
4. Learn about Interactions
Doctors and pharmacists can and do make mistakes with medication. Fortunately, there are multiple drug interaction checkers online. You can use these tools to determine whether a senior’s supplements, prescription medication and over-the-counter medication will interact with each other.
5. Ensure That They Take Medications in a Well-Lit Space
If you are unable to supervise them personally when they are taking their medications, make sure that they do it as safely as possible. They should take their medications in a room where there is enough light that they can read the label.
By following the tips above, you can help to prevent medication mishaps. To learn more about what you can do to keep your loved one safe and healthy, contact us at Mayberry Gardens today.