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

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.
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.
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.
Top 6 Medication Problems and How to Prevent Them
There are many reasons why seniors don't take their medications as prescribed, that could be avoided. Use these simple solutions to help a senior consistently manage their medication as prescribed.
How Do I Know If The Nursing Home Is Managing Mom's Medications Properly?
One of the easier ways to check use of medication is to check how frequently medications are refilled.
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.
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.
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.
Recommended Vaccines for the Elderly
Vaccines the CDC recommends for 6 preventable diseases, along with dosages and scheduling.
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.
Who is Allowed to Dispense Medication at Assisted Living Facilities?
Wondering who is allowed to dispense medication in an assisted living facility? Laws vary by state. 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.
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.
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.
How to Buy Medications Online Safely
Consumers who are using online pharmacies must know how to buy their prescription medicine online safely.
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.
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.
Prescription Drug Assistance Programs: Pharmaceutical Companies
The following pharmaceutical companies have programs that provide assistance to people who need financial aid to pay for their prescription medications.
Seniors Being Hurt by Medical Care, and Other News to Know
The shocking number of Medicare beneficiaries who are being hurt by health care; More proof that exercise helps you age well; and a nationwide study that takes a state-by-state look at senior health top the list of caregiver news this week.
Women Twice as Likely to Develop Alzheimer's, and Other News to Know
Women twice as likely to get Alz. than breast cancer; new statin guidelines affect millions of seniors; happiness and stroke caregiving; and questioning widespread dementia testing for older adults top the list of caregiver news this week.
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.
Do More Expensive Drugs Really Work Better?
A new study shows Parkinson's patients actually score better on motor skills tests when they think one medicine costs more than another; even if they're identical.
Beware of Storing Medications in the House
Caregivers: beware of storing medications in the house where a person with dementia lives. Charlie recently gave me a reason to be concerned about this very issue when he found a bottle of my Advil PM.
5 Healthy Foods That Don’t Mix Well With Medications
Nutritious foods and prescription medications seem like a match made in healthful heaven, right? Not necessarily. Even healthy foods can interact dangerously with common medications.
Man With Alzheimer's Called to Testify, and Other News to Know
Man with Alzheimer's must testify in a case against his grandson; 20 percent of seniors given conflicting meds; more muscle mass and higher self-esteem offers health benefits to elders and advance directives ease anxiety in dying dementia patients.
Confessions of an Imperfect Caregiver: Part II
I could tell that Rodger was off his medication and to my surprise, his nurses had no idea. My frustration turned to anger as I learned of more oversights by the staff.
Do Statins Cause Memory Loss?
I've taken statin medications for many years to keep my cholesterol in check. Recently, I've wondered if those drugs were creating some memory loss.
Finding the Right Medications and Dosages is Tricky for Seniors
I'm 85, and I recently had an unpleasant reaction to an antibiotic. A 95-year-old I know just spent three days in the hospital for the same reason. We need to be careful!
Going Abroad for Alzheimer’s Care, and Other News to Know
People with Alzheimer's going abroad for care; several VA hospitals under investigation for unnecessary deaths; and a little-known tip for getting a loved one to take their meds top the list of caregiver news this week.
Diabetes Linked with Brain Shrinkage, and Other News to Know
Diabetes and brain shrinkage linked; light physical activity has big benefits for seniors; medications mixed with supplements can spell disaster; and people with dementia still trying to manage money top the list of caregiver news this week.
5 Technologies I Wish I’d Had When I Was a Caregiver
There weren't nearly as many technologies available to help caregivers when I was looking after my loved ones. Here's a list of the tools I wish I'd had.
Prescription Drug Assistance Programs: State-by-State Programs
These state-run programs provide assistance to those who need financial aid to pay for their prescription medications.
Prescription Drug Assistance Programs: Nationwide Non-Profits
These nationwide non-profits provide assistance to those who need financial aid to pay for their prescription medications.
Why I’m Ditching the Blood Pressure Pills I’ve Taken for 40 Years
Medical authorities now say blood pressure for seniors without cardiac issues can go safely up to 150/90. For that and other reasons, I'm quitting the pills. Here's why.
Health Conditions that Make You Fall Into Medicare's 'Donut Hole'
The government has made a commitment to close the "donut hole" gap in Medicare coverage by 2020, but many current beneficiaries still find themselves falling into this pricey crevasse.
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.
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.
Did You Notice the Big Jump in Drug Costs from 2013 to 2014?
If you take medications, that "drug cost jump" headline is no surprise. What's interesting, though, is that the price tag on certain drugs really sky-rocketed, while others barely rose at all. Here's the lowdown.
4 Elder Law Organization Techniques That Helped Us Care for Dad
Being an elder law attorney prepared me well for the day when the symptoms of my father's memory loss became debilitating. I knew what documents to prepare and what information to have on hand.
Pros and Cons of the New Nursing Home Compare Ratings
Medication management has been one of my biggest challenges as a caregiver. The new Nursing Home Compare Ratings are trying to make things better, but a caregiver still has to be an advocate for their loved one's health.
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 Weather Doesn’t Mix With Some Medications
It is important to be mindful of medication side effects and watchful of a senior’s wellbeing during hot summer months. Sun and heat can cause some dangerous drug interactions.
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.
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.
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 loved one's usage, behavior and overall health.
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.
Mom saves old medications and keeps taking them. Is this dangerous?
Many people save old medications "just in case" or because they do not like wasting money. This practice can become dangerous, though, and lead to consumption of the wrong medications or ones that are expired. If your loved one isn't taking their medications correctly, make an appointment with her doctor to discuss your concerns.
What Questions Should I Ask the Pharmacist About My Loved One's Medications?
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 senior's 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, but 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?

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Medication Management for the Elderly

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