5 Ways Seniors Mismanage Medications
In America, their are several ways seniors mismanage medications due to several health diagnoses. Several medications, including prescription prescriptions, over-the-counter remedies, and vitamins, may be needed for each illness. In other words, it can get challenging.
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Guide to Seniors Mismanage Medications
The article that follows is based on ways seniors mismanage medications and our senior medication management guide. Use it to stay clear of these all-too-common errors.
1. Trying to complete it all alone
What is the best method for simultaneously treating several different medical conditions? Hire assistance. Anyone can experience overwhelming helplessness and isolation after receiving a new diagnosis on top of an already existing ailment.
Fortunately, to prevent seniors mismanage medications you can seek assistance from a friend, member of your family, a caregiver, or a doctor. Admitting that you need help can be awkward, but doing so is essential to creating a reliable network of support. Many seniors transfer to an assisted living facility or employ in-home care because they need help managing their medications.
Just keep in mind that while a family member or friend can play a crucial role on your healthcare team, you should only ask a professional, such as your doctor or pharmacist, for medical advice.
Discover: How Friends Play a Vital Role in Boosting Your Health
2. Ignoring medication labels
Those tiny prescription labels contain a lot of information. You should carefully read and comprehend the instructions for your prescription to prevent medication mismanagement in seniors. These specifics comprise the names and contact information for the drug maker, your prescribing physician, your pharmacy, and you, the patient. The date the prescription was filled and the number of refills still available are further prescription details.
3. Forgetting prescription drugs
Multiple drugs may be needed for a single health issue. The prescription juggling act becomes more difficult if you have been diagnosed with various medical illnesses.
You can record information about each drug, such as how much, when, and on which days you take it.
To avoid forgetting to take a dose of medication, you can set an alarm to remind you to check your medication schedule. You should also distribute this schedule to a friend or family member who is a part of your healthcare team. They might help you remember dosages.
Also Read: 5 Steps That Help When Dealing With Dementia
It can be quite difficult to manage drugs if you have memory loss or cognitive impairment. As a result, persons who have Alzheimer’s disease or a similar dementia should have support to make sure they never forget to take their medication.
4. Ignoring adverse drug effects
You might benefit from using a medication feedback form in addition to maintaining a medication schedule. There is no requirement that this be formal. It might be as easy as making some notes on paper. Use just a container that you’ll remember to take with you to your upcoming doctor’s or pharmacy appointments.
Please provide the names of all of your drugs, their dosages, and the dates you began taking them on this feedback form. Then, note any odd changes in your condition when you experience side effects. Your doctor might change the dosage of one or more of your drugs in response to your feedback.
5. Being hesitant to inquire
Finally, it’s imperative that you feel confident enough to contribute to conversations about your own health. Anytime you don’t understand something, ask your healthcare providers for clarification.
The material and instructions that come with your prescription can be confusing since the medical industry uses a lot of jargon. Ask a pharmacist to evaluate your medications when you fill a prescription. On how to safely take all of your prescription medications and dietary supplements, your pharmacist can offer suggestions.
Make sure to ask questions about the ingredients, side effects, and intended use of each prescription during each visit with the doctor. You should inquire if anything on your treatment plan is no longer required if your doctor recommends a new medicine. It is simpler to take prescriptions properly the less medications you have to remember to take.
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Recap on ways seniors mismanage medications
- Trying to complete it all alone
- Ignoring medication labels
- Forgetting prescription drugs
- Ignoring adverse drug effects
- Being hesitant to inquire
Hiring a senior caregiver is the most effective way to treat numerous medical concerns at once. We can help!