Medication Management for the Elderly
AgingCare provides guidance on medication management for the elderly. Understanding the medication, having complete medical records, monitoring when the senior takes his meds and carefully following instructions are all important components of medication management for the elderly.
Articles About Medication Management Elderly
- Top 6 Medication Problems and How to Prevent Them
There are many reasons why elderly people have problems with their medications and don't them as prescribed. Here are some common causes of medication mistakes, and tips for better medication management.
- Struggling to Pay for Brand Name Meds? You Don't Need To!
Prescription assistance programs (also called patient assistance programs) are valuable resources for those who meet income requirements and who do not have prescription insurance.
- Storing Medications in Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures can affect the safety and effectiveness of medications. Here are the answers some of the common questions surrounding the proper storage of prescription medications.
- Recommended Vaccines for the Elderly
The elderly are more susceptible to certain kinds of ailments, such as the flu, pneumonia or shingles. Protect your loved one with these recommended vaccines for the elderly.
- Should Your Parent Risk an Anesthesia Disaster or Forego Surgery?
Much has been debated regarding seniors and anesthesia. Here is how you can decide if your elderly parent should risk taking anesthesia for surgery.
- How to Buy Medications Online Safely
Consumers who are using online pharmacies must know how to buy their prescription medicine online safely.
- How to Handle a Medication Moaner
An elder may have many reasons for not wanting to take the medicines their doctor has prescribed. Here are three common complaints that seniors have about taking their meds and how to handle them.
- How to Prevent Medication-Related Problems
Medication-related problems, such as drug interactions, are the fourth most costly “disease.” The use of medication becomes more and more complicated with each medication added and how each is used. Here are some tips to prevent medication related problems.
- What to Do When You Feel Your Parent Is Being Over-Treated
Doctors have been accused of over-treating elderly patients and prescribing unnecessary medical procedures.
- Polypharmacy in the Elderly: Avoiding Harmful Side Effects
Polypharmacy in the elderly is common, especially for those with chronic conditions. Know what questions to ask your Dr. to avoid harmful side effects of too many meds.
- 5 Healthy Foods That Don’t Mix Well With Medications
Nutritious foods and prescription medications--seems like a match made in healthful heaven, right? Not necessarily. Even healthy foods can interact dangerously with common prescriptions.
- The Dangers of Buying Prescription Medications Online
Buying prescription drugs online can be dangerous if you are not careful where you buy them. The lure of buying prescription drugs online is obvious: cheaper drugs that are easy to get. But is it safe?
- Summer Heat Can Affect Medication Use
Actually, it is important to be more mindful and watchful of the medications during the warmer months for a number of reasons. When certain medications are taken, exposure to the sun may also cause individuals to sunburn more easily.
- Surprising List of Medications Cause Majority of Senior Overdoses
New research indicates that seniors are more prone to be hospitalized because of their blood thinners or insulin shots than they are to be harmed by more risky medications like painkillers.
- Guide for Managing Medications and Prescriptions
Medications are the most common treatment for many diseases and conditions. However, when not used appropriately and safely, medications can have devastating consequences. Therefore it is critical that caregivers make sure their elderly parents only take the medications they're prescribed.
Q&A with the Experts on Medication Management Elderly
- How do I know if mom is taking the proper dosages of her medications at the right time?
Elderly people are most definitely at an increased risk for problems related to the use of prescription drugs, nonprescription (or over-the-counter) medicines, and herbal or other alternative medicines.
- How do I know if the nursing home is giving mom the correct medication?
One of the easier ways to check use of medication is to check how frequently medications are refilled.
- What happens when different doctors prescribe different medications?
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.
- Who is Allowed to Dispense Medication at Assisted Living Facilities?
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.
- What can I do if I suspect dad is addicted to prescription medication?
Addiction to prescription pain medication is common among the elderly, so it is crucial to evaluate your elderly father's use.
- Moms saves old medications and keeps taking them. Is this dangerous?
If your elderly mother isn't taking her medications correctly, make an appointment with her doctor to discuss your concerns.
- What questions should I ask the pharmacist about my elderly parent's medication?
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.
- Do painkillers impair a seniors ability to drive?
Driving while on painkillers and other pain medication is dangerous and can have deadly consequences. Some individuals can take medication for pain and drive as well as perform many other tedious, precise tasks; many cannot.
- Mom takes 12 different medications every day. Is this dangerous?
Should caregivers be concerned when their elderly mom or dad is taking numerous prescription medications every day?
News about Medication Management Elderly
- The Popular Cholesterol Med Seniors Can Get For Free
Depending on where they get their prescriptions filled, your loved one may be able to get a popular heart medication for free.
- Many Senior Meds Unnecessarily Prescribed
A recent analysis of the medications commonly prescribed to older adults reveals that a significant percentage of meds are unnecessarily prescribed and can be harmful to seniors. One in 5 prescription medications taken by seniors are inappropriate.
- Device That May Help Seniors Manage Meds Approved
Caregivers may no-longer have to worry whether or not their elderly loved one is taking their meds, thanks to a new type of medication monitoring device. A digital sensor that lets you know when a loved one has taken their meds was just given the green light by the FDA.
- Most Heart Attack Sufferers Won’t Take Their Meds, Even When They’re Free
Free of charge medicine doesn't encourage heart attack patients to follow a prescription drug regimen. The study found that giving free prescriptions to people who have had a heart attack didn't significantly increase the likelihood that they would take them.
- 97 Percent of Online Pharmacies Unsafe, Warns FDA Campaign
Only 3 percent of online pharmacies are safe to use, according to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. The vast majority of web-based medication merchants fail to meet the U.S. standards for pharmaceutical quality and safety.
- Healthcare Networks Boost Prescription Adherence
Prescription adherence is particularly important for the elderly. New research indicates that integrated health care networks may increase the likelihood that a senior will stick to a specific prescription adherence.
- Consumers Could Save Billions When Drug Patents Expire
The patents on some of the most widely used prescription drugs are about to expire, making medications more affordable for the elderly.
- Worst-Ever Shortage of Drugs Affects 99.5% of Hospitals
The drug shortage in 2011 is a national health crisis. Life-saving or medically necessary drugs are running low — or running out — at hospitals across the nation.