Medication Management
Aging adults are often required to take multiple medications throughout the day and it is easy to forget to take a medication or take too many of them.
Studies show that approximately 87% seniors take one prescription drug, 36% take 5 or more prescribed drugs and about 38% use over the counter medications.
Aging adults are often required to take multiple medications throughout the day and it is easy to forget to take a medication or take too many of them.
Studies show that approximately 87% seniors take one prescription drug, 36% take 5 or more prescribed drugs and about 38% use over the counter medications.
Importance of Medication Management for Seniors
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 350,000 people are hospitalized after visits to the emergency room because of adverse, or harmful, drug events each year.
Medication management is important for seniors to prevent potentially serious health hazards. As seniors regularly use 5 or more medications, the risk of medication mix-ups rises significantly. In certain cases, it can even prove to be fatal.
Consequences of Medicine Mismanagement
Drug Interaction
There are certain medications that should not be consumed together or with specific foods. For example, some medications cannot be taken with citrus fruits because it can alter the effect.
Falls and Fractures
Taking multiple medications also increase seniors’ risk of hip fractures. Regardless of the medication type, medicine mismanagement increases the risk of falls significantly in seniors.
Overdose of Medication
Seniors who visit a number of doctors for different health conditions may be prescribed more medications than required. Memory problems also increase the chances of seniors taking more medicines than required.
Treatment Discontinuation
In certain cases, seniors living with dementia or Alzheimer’s may unintentionally forget to take their medications as prescribed by the doctor. Others who are on multiple medications may choose to skip the dose, not fill prescriptions or discontinue treatment for financial reasons.
Home Health Care Aides Help in Medication Management
Home health care nurses have been helping patients to effectively manage their medications leading to immense benefits for the patient and his family members. At Patients Choice & Physician Choice we have specific programs in place to help our clients manage their medications.
Our registered nurse will start by assessing your medical condition and gathering a list of all the medication you take including dosage and administration instructions. Next, they will develop a home health care plan after discussing your medical condition with your primary physician.
The plan may include a home care nurse coming to your house daily or weekly administer or set up your medications. Further, any change in your medications is shared with your primary physician.
Medication management helps in improving the overall health and wellbeing of the patient while decreasing hospitalization.
Want to learn more about our medication management services? Get in touch with our experienced home health care professionals.