The elderly are the fastest-growing population in America.
It is estimated that by 2030, there will be over 70 million seniors in the US alone. While aging isn't necessarily a bad thing, it does bring its own challenges. Many medications can have adverse side effects when taken by older adults, and many seniors are not aware of those potential complications. This can lead to serious health issues for your loved ones.
In this article, we'll discuss some best practices for medication use among seniors and their caregivers so you can ensure that your loved ones get the care they need while avoiding unnecessary complications or side effects.
Keep a List of Medications
Keeping track of your medications can be challenging if you're a senior or someone who struggles with neurodegenerative diseases. That's why it's important to know what's being taken and for what.
As caretakers or patients, keeping a list on hand will help physicians know what medications to prescribe and inform pharmacists of the drugs you're taking so they can provide proper instructions. This information is also essential for emergency personnel to administer appropriate care in case of an emergency.
Keep a Schedule
Remembering to take medications on time can be difficult.
It's essential to make sure you're taking your medicine at the right time and in the correct dosage so it has the maximum effect. Missing a dose or accidentally taking too much could lead to a dangerous situation.
Some people may have daily medications, and others may have semi-regularly scheduled drugs. It's easy to confuse these if you're not paying close attention.
A pill planner is a great way to help you stay on track with medications; anyone can easily set them up. They also help you remember when it's time for refills so you don't forget!
Follow Consumption Instructions
When taking medication, it's important to follow the exact instructions given by your physician or pharmacist.
There are a few reasons: first, if you don't follow the directions, your medication may not work correctly. Secondly, you could experience side effects—which can be dangerous!
Talk to your pharmacist if you have any questions about taking your medication. They're there to help you stay healthy and safe.
Proper Medication Storage
As seniors age, they often take on a variety of health conditions that require many medications to treat. It's important to keep these medications safely and out of reach of children and pets.
These medications must be kept somewhere cool, dry, and out of sunlight. Some medicines even need to be refrigerated, so part of having an appropriate and effective in-home healthcare plan includes the proper storage of the medication.
Properly storing medications also means keeping them out of reach of children and pets. The best way to do this is by keeping all your medicines in a locked cabinet or safe place where you or your caregiver can access them when needed.
We know that home health care can be incredibly stressful. We hope this article has given you some ideas for making your time with Comfort Keepers Vancouver as easy and comfortable as possible.
Comfort Keepers Vancouver is a team of dedicated caregivers who provide in-home health care for seniors, including respite care and medication management. We offer a range of services to meet the needs of our clients, including:
- Medication management
- Respite care
- Home health care
If you're interested in learning more about our services, or if you'd like to set up an appointment with one of our compassionate caregivers, call us today!
