Some seniors keep their medicines in daily med dispensers, others have to pour them out each time it is necessary to take the medications. That may be a struggle especially if they have physical limitations or visionary problems. If everything is orderly, the medication bottles are clean/lids are intact, the expiration dates are within normal limits, the writing is clear and easy to read. If not, they may not know which med is which, but realize they must take them and just pour them in their mouths. I personally have seen it all on home nursing visits and was so glad to help rectify the situation in order to prevent unnecessary harm. It is imperative that if we have elderly loved ones at home or home alone at some point during the 24 hour day that a safe medication regime is in order.
The FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) Sandra L. Kweder M.D. F.A.C.P. Deputy Director Of FDA recommends the following 4 important safety tips:
Take Medications As Prescribed:
Take your medicine regularly and according to your health care provider’s instructions. Don’t skip doses or stop taking medication without first consulting with your provider. (This holds true even if you’re feeling better or if you think the medicine isn’t working.)
“Medication can’t work unless you take it,” Kweder says. “For instance, medications that treat chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes typically only work when taken regularly and as directed. You have to take them continuously to maintain control over your condition.”
Dosing for medications is based on clinical trials, which FDA reviews. “Every medicine is really different and is dosed according to what’s been tested,” says Kweder, which is one reason why you shouldn't select a dose yourself.
If you’re having bothersome side effects or have other questions, talk to your health care provider.
Keep a Medication List:
Write down what you’re taking and keep the list with you. Consider giving a copy to a friend or loved one that you trust—an important step especially in case of emergency and when you’re traveling.
Record the medicine’s brand name, if applicable, and generic name. Also write down how often and what dosage you take. (For instance, one pill daily, 300 mg.)
Finally, note when you take each drug. “You should know your medicines better than the doctor does,” says Kweder.
Be Aware of Potential Interactions:
Remember, as you age, you’re at higher risk for drug interactions.
Interactions can occur when:
One drug affects how another drug works;
A medical condition you have makes a certain drug potentially harmful;
A food or non-alcoholic drink reacts with a drug;
A medicine interacts with an alcoholic drink.
Your task? Learn which interactions are possible. You can do this by carefully reading drug facts labels on over-the-counter drugs and the information that comes with your prescription medications, and by reviewing any special instructions with your health care provider. For instance nitroglycerin, which treats angina (chest pain related to heart disease), should not be taken with many erectile dysfunction drugs, including Viagra and Cialis, because serious interactions can occur. And some drugs should not be taken with alcohol, as symptoms such as loss of coordination and memory loss can result.
If you’re seeing multiple health care providers, tell each one about all of your medications and supplements. You also can ask your pharmacist about potential interactions.
Review Medications with Your Health Care Provider:
Schedule at least one annual review of your medications with your health care provider to confirm which medications are still necessary and which you can stop taking (if any).
If a certain medication seems out of your budget, ask your health care provider whether there is a cheaper, and still effective, alternative.
This review can help you avoid interactions and can lessen costs. Sometimes, especially if you’re seeing multiple providers, certain questions can fall through the cracks, says Kweder. But, she says, there is no such thing as a stupid question about medicine.
“As a society, we have become reliant on pharmaceuticals to help us attain a longer and higher-quality life. It’s a wonderful success of Western medicine,” she adds. “The goal should be for each of us to access that benefit but respect that medicines are serious business. To get the most out of them, you should take them with great care and according to directions.”
In addition to the great tips listed above, I suggest when seniors are taking prescribed medications to also inform the doctor about any over the counter medications, herbs and tea. All of them may have potential side effects with regularly prescribed medications.
Although it is wonderful to have a current medication list handy at all times for friends and family, make sure that one is either in their purse or wallet. Too many times I will see a patient in the hospital for a test and they tell me they forgot the list. Another great suggestion is to take a picture of the med list with your or their cell phone, Ipad etc.. Even if a medication list is left at home, it will still be accessible. Let's make good use of modern technology!
If your loved is home alone, make sure they are current with physicals, vision exams and that the medications are accessible and ready for administration. Keep alcohol out of reach until someone is in their presence. If possible have a family member or friend present during med administration times. That will ensure safety. Of course that may not be possible in all circumstances. Consider having a private nurse care for your loved one by ensuring all medicines are administered correctly and efficiently. The nurse can also monitor your loved one for side effects and immediately report any abnormal findings to the doctor.
Nothing beats peace of mind when dealing with any issues pertaining to our loved ones!
Wishing you well in all that you do!
Deneene Shipanga RN BSN
Owner/Operator Angel Nurseworks
Home Health Care
Private Duty Nursing At Its Best
www.angelnurseworks.com
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