Medication management is essential for older adults. Medication must be taken exactly as prescribed. Many seniors struggle with keeping up with medication. Senior care resources can help. Here are three reasons why a medication management plan must be in place for your senior loved one.
1. Medication Can Only Work If It is Taken
Medication is only an effective treatment if it is taken as directed. Forgetting to take a dose can derail any progress made by taking the medication. Taking too much of the medication can result in an accidental overdose. Many seniors forget to take medication as prescribed. Sometimes, when they realize they have missed a dose, they double up on it, which can be very dangerous.
Proper medication management can ensure that all doses of medication are taken as prescribed. This ensures that the most benefits are achieved from the medication.
2. Suddenly Stopping Medication Can Be Dangerous
Many seniors will run out of their prescriptions and forget to refill them on time. This can mean that lifesaving medication like high blood pressure is stopped suddenly. The rebound effect from suddenly stopping medication can have fatal results. Senior care resources can ensure that seniors always have their prescriptions refilled.
3. Managing Side Effects
Proper medication management will record new medicines’ side effects and act as another set of eyes to potentially spot problems. Many seniors will take medication prescribed by their doctor and not report new side effects. Any new unwanted side effects must be recorded to ensure seniors get the proper care.
In some cases, side effects come from how the senior takes their medicine. For example, some medication needs to be taken with food. If the senior takes the medication on an empty stomach, they may experience stomach upset every time they take it. Senior care resources can ensure that medication is taken properly.
According to the Department of Aging, making a list of medications and supplements and how much of each is taken and how it is taken can help to keep seniors on track. Your senior care pharmacist can help you construct a complete and accurate medication list to include prescription, and non-prescription medications, and medication allergy information. This list when shared with medical providers can be a valuable tool to use when making clinical decisions. Give us a call today to learn more about senior care resources and how they can help seniors manage their medication to get the most benefits.
