Prescription medications take on greater purpose later in life. However, if not monitored, they can potentially cause more harm than good. To prevent potential accidents, keep a safety checklist for all of your senior loved one’s medications.
Prescription Purpose
Tracking the purpose of each prescription allows you or your loved one’s caregiver to watch and ensure each drug is doing what it’s supposed to. If you notice a medication isn’t working to treat your parent’s symptoms, you can then go back to the doctor and ask for a different dosage or medication.
A professional caregiver can assist with medication management to keep your loved one safe. In Assisting Hands Home Care Frederick providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Side Effects
It’s extremely important to note the side effects of each medication. This will ensure you and your loved one know what to expect, identify normal side effects, and quickly recognize potential harmful side effects that require an immediate change in medication.
Drug Interactions
Seniors often take multiple medications, and a doctor may not always catch medicines that interact with each other. After creating a detailed list of the purpose and side effects of each medication, make an accompanying list of drug interactions as well as possible interactions with certain foods.
Some older adults may be taking medications for more than one health issue. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional at-home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
The Beers List
The Beers List was developed by Dr. Mark Beers to ensure seniors aren’t prescribed drugs with side effects that are riskier for aging adults. This list includes medications such as benzodiazepines, certain analgesics, and antihypertensives. Consult this list for each prescription and speak with the prescribing doctor if there are concerns.
Follow Up
Bring a list of your parent’s medications to your loved one’s doctor’s appointments. Ask whether they’re still needed as well as if there are newer medications with fewer side effects or cheaper alternatives to current prescriptions.
Some families may not have the time to help their loved ones every day with managing medications and other daily tasks. Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is senior home care. Frederick, MD, families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation. Call Assisting Hands Home Care today at (301) 786-5045 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.
