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AgingCare Expert since September 2009

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AgingCare Expert

LynnHarrelson

Lynn Harrelson

R.Ph., FASCP. Senior Pharmacy Solutions

Louisville, Kentucky

Lynn Harrelson is a pharmacist who specializes in medication management for seniors and others who are seeking support and direction with their prescriptions and other medications they use.

Since her graduation from the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, she has continued to develop specialized and innovative services. Lynn is specially trained in the use and management of medications in the senior population; she provides valuable and accessible health care services and information that helps individuals remain independent in their homes, retirement and assisted living facilities.

As a Senior Care Pharmacist, Lynn acts as a family’s link between the patient, the physician, and other health care providers. The training, skill, and caring she can offer brings a more personal dimension to health care. Whether in the senior's home, a neighborhood senior center or a retirement or assisted living facility, Lynn can help today’s seniors make the most of their medications.

Her Senior Pharmacy Solutions Medication Therapy Management Services have been recognized for supporting patients, family, caregivers and other healthcare providers in supporting the continued independence of today’s seniors. With many years of serving those using multiple medications, Lynn is well versed in addressing the questions and concerns that often arise. She addresses issues with other healthcare providers and shares information with doctors and works with them to make sure that each patient gets maximum benefit from any medication are used. Her services include a plan for continuing well being.

Her knowledge about medication and pharmacy services often result in fewer medications, fewer or lower co-pays, simplified medication profiles, easier-to-use schedules, and a better understanding of all medications used. As a result, her patients stay healthier longer, in their home longer and receive maximum benefit from the medication they use. Her services add value and quality to her patient’s life. She is an educator, a comforter, and consummate health care professional caring for your loved one as she would a member of her own family.

Lynn is past president of her local pharmacist associations as well the Kentucky Pharmacists Association. She is a member of state and national Associations for Consultant Pharmacists who specialize in the care of patients in long-term care facilities. She provides in-services and presentations to senior groups throughout her state as well as authoring articles for senior focus papers. Ms Harrelson assists in the organizing of annual countywide expired drug disposal programs that result in the proper disposal of tons of unused medications. She is a member of the Louisville Metro Aging in Place Council, Louisville Healthcare Professionals, and Louisville Metro Triad. Lynn has been recognized for her extensive and continual community service at local, state and national levels.

My Expert Answers

What are the most common side affects of bladder-control medications?
Lynn Harrelson answered: Bladder control and incontinence medications have various side affects depending on the person taking them. Some side affects of Over-Active Bladder (OAB) and Incontinence medications are dry mouth, blurry vision, heartburn and constipation.
Full Answer...

Are nurse's aides and healthcare technicians qualified to dispense medication at assisted living?
Lynn Harrelson answered: Each state has its own regulations that determine which healthcare works can give medication. In some cases, its a nurse practitioner, but in others it could be a nurses assistant or aide.
Full Answer...

Is aggression and anger a side effect of Alzheimer's medications, such as Namenda?
Lynn Harrelson answered: One side effect of certain medications for Alzheimer's disease treatment, is aggression. Check the medication labels for information and talk to your doctor.
Full Answer...

Does it matter if dad takes his diabetes medicine at different times each day?
Lynn Harrelson answered: It's important to take your Diabetes medications at the same time every day. Consistency is key when treating diabetes.
Full Answer...

What are the best cognitive performance supplements or medications to help elderly women with memory problems?
Lynn Harrelson answered: Different cognitive performance medications, supplements, or memory helpers, affect women in various ways.
Full Answer...

My grandmother recently passed away and had unused, expensive medication. Can I donate it and if so, where?
Lynn Harrelson answered: Proper disposal of unused or left over prescription medications is essential, but it probably can not be donated in most cases.
Full Answer...

What supplements or medications for elderly women reduce risk of memory loss and cognitive decline?
Lynn Harrelson answered: Supplements or medications can help reduce the risk of memory loss or cognitive performance decline due to general aging or Alzheimer's Disease. The effects of improvement vary by individual.
Full Answer...

I suspect the nursing home is overmedicating my elderly mother. She is lethargic and practically comatose when I visit. How can I find out what's going on?
Lynn Harrelson answered: If you think the nursing home is over-medicating your elderly mother, there are numerous options available to you.
Full Answer...

What questions should I ask the pharmacist when I refill my elderly mother's prescriptions?
Lynn Harrelson answered: When having your elderly parent's prescription refilled, there are many questions you can ask your pharmacist to ensure they are taking their medication properly and avoid dangerous drug interactions.
Full Answer...

What should I do if I suspect my elderly father is addicted to prescription pain medication?
Lynn Harrelson answered: Addiction to prescription pain medication is common among the elderly, so it is crucial to evaluate your elderly father's use.
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My mom doesn’t take her medication as prescribed. She saves old meds and continues to take them. I think she is taking 3 blood pressure meds. She lives with me, but does not want to give me power of attorney. What can I do?
Lynn Harrelson answered: If your elderly mother isn't taking her medications correctly, make an appointment with her doctor to discuss your concerns.
Full Answer...

Mom gets confused as to what day it is and which pills she should take. It’s leading to many disagreements between us. How can I make sure mom takes her medication as prescribed, and also ease the tension between us?
Lynn Harrelson answered: Try a medication planner or organizer to help make sure your aging parent remembers to take their medication.
Full Answer...

How do I know if the nursing home where my mother lives is giving her the proper doses of her medication?
Lynn Harrelson answered: One of the easier ways to check use of medication is to check how frequently medications are refilled.
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I go to several different pharmacies depending on which one has the best price on the medication I need. Is that OK?
Lynn Harrelson answered: When a patient goes to more than one pharmacy, it increases the potential that possible significant interactions may be overlooked and the patient can experience a serious medication related problem.
Full Answer...

My mother sees several different doctors for her medical care. How does one doctor know what medication the other doctor has prescribed?
Lynn Harrelson answered: One of the biggest problems we have in our health system today is accurate and timely information; this is especially true regarding the medications we use.
Full Answer...

My father sometimes forgets to take the prescriptions ordered by his doctor? Should I be concerned if he misses a dose now and then?
Lynn Harrelson answered: Should caregivers worry if their elderly parents forget or skip doses of their medication?
Full Answer...

My 77-year-old mother takes up to 12 different prescription medications every day. Is this dangerous?
Lynn Harrelson answered: Should caregivers be concerned when their elderly mom or dad is taking numerous prescription medications every day?
Full Answer...

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Jun 23, 2010

jgoldhammer
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What do you think of Seroquel for dementia patients with Sundowners syndrome? He also has amyloid angiopathy.

Jun 9, 2010

DMivelaz
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Lynn, I need your help!!! I'm grasping at anything to help my father. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer by a doctor approx. 7-8 months ago. My dad is 84 years old, a widower, and his health has been going down hill since my mom died 9 years ago. He has been losing weight for years but very rapidly within the past few months. He refuses to seek medical treatment other than just over the counter meds. I believe the cancer is taking over. He lives on his own but I visit him very often. He walks around with only a cane and the only meds he takes is a Centrum Silver Daily Vitamin, Echanaesia & Golden Seal to rebuild his Immune System, a Tylenol PM at night to help ease any pain before bedtime, and a daily stool softener. He has a 6ft frame and now weighs only 100 lbs. I had him step on the scaled just two nights ago. It amazes me he can even walk around but he does but I'm so worried about him. He is very stubborn and suggestions are not readily accepted. He was drinking Ensure/Boost to help keep weight on but one day he got very sick and blames it all on the drinks so he will no longer drink them. He is literally starving himself to death because he can't eat and doesn't have any appetite. He has a hard time swallowing his food and sometimes when he drinks the liquid comes out through his nose. He gets easily embarrassed byt this of course. Some days are good and somedays are very bad. Today is a very bad day. He is in a lot of pain becuase he is constipated and hasn't had a bowel movement in almost 6 days. I don't know what to do for him. He has been taking stool softeners but they apparently are not working. He will not let me take him to the hospital or a Dr. So here I am, asking for help. What suggestions do you have to help my father through this stage. He is literally withering away before my eyes. I love him and want to help him but don't know what else to do.

Feb 22, 2010

yvonne
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my husband had a bad reaction to his depression medicine he has diarrea for the past 10 days. imodium does not help. what can i do?

Jan 16, 2010

LynnHarrelson
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Have you checked her diet to clear or minimize any caffeine. I would also ask the pharmacist if any of her meds can cause excitement or affect sleep. It is hard to believe but sometimes a reduction in dosage of some medications can lessen these types of side-effects. May of the Alzheimer’s patients that I have worked with have benefited by the use of a timed-released melatonin. This should be discussed with her doctor. Ambein is widely known to cause behavior problems in some people and should be avoided. Also keeping her calm beginning in the early afternoon may have a carry over effect into the night, so try to minimize any sundowner symptoms through activity and/or redirecting her attention.

Dec 17, 2009

k122857
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My mother needs something to calm her down and help her sleep, she is 84 and has alzheimers. I see her becoming more and more anxious and doesnt know why and not wanting to sleep at night, but some sleeping pills we have tried like ambien makes her worse. Or ativan keeps her awake. Please help? Thank you

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