Medication usage is common among older adults. According to findings from a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, many people aged 60-79 are taking five or more prescription drugs daily, making it a challenge to keep track of multiple medications.
Many seniors rely on pill organizers for medication management, but there are hidden dangers that families should be aware of. Pill organizers can help people remember to take their medicines regularly and at different times of the day, and they can also be easier to open than prescription bottles. Many people use these organizers successfully. In some cases, however, pill organizers may pose a risk that can lead to health concerns or unexpected medication side effects.
Is it safe to use an organizer for your loved one’s prescription medications? Research reveals startling possible hazards for seniors using pill organizers including:
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Cognitive Decline & Medication Mistakes: Seniors with dementia or mild cognitive impairment may forget whether they’ve taken a dose, leading to accidental overdoses or missed medications.
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Physical Limitations: Seniors with arthritis or Parkinson’s disease may struggle to open pill compartments or transfer medications accurately.
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Medication Interactions: Sorting medications ahead of time might mean seniors miss pharmacist or doctor guidance about new drug interactions.
- Taking Medications Incorrectly: Studies have shown that when seniors switched from prescription bottles to pill organizers, many ended up making potentially risky mistakes, such as taking too many doses at once and mixing up medications.
Senior medication safety is vital in order to treat issues and maintain health. Medications must be taken according to the doctor’s instructions, as indicated on the prescription label or medication packaging. When patients do not take their medication correctly, they may develop health issues. Even patients who begin taking their medicines correctly, after missing doses, may have regular medication side effects but may think they are suffering from new symptoms. It is crucial to make sure that seniors are taking their medications properly and safely.
In-Home Medication Assistance Can Help
Many families find that their aging loved ones struggle to remember to take their medications regularly, or at all. It can be overwhelming to keep track of multiple prescriptions and specifically-timed doses. Even picking up prescription refills can be daunting or easy to forget! Partnering with a home care agency can help alleviate these pressures while keeping your loved one safe, comfortable, and independent at home.
A dedicated caregiver can provide in-home medication assistance to ensure medications are taken exactly as prescribed, leading to better health outcomes with reduced risk. Other added benefits of in-home care for medication management for seniors include:
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Monitoring for Side Effects: A caregiver can observe changes in a senior’s behavior, symptoms, or health that may indicate adverse medication reactions.
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Coordination with Healthcare Providers: Caregivers can communicate with family members or doctors if medications need adjustments.
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Preventing Missed Doses & Errors: Home care professionals ensure seniors take their prescriptions on time and correctly, reducing the risks associated with self-managed pill organizers.
Senior Home Care of Tucson, a leading provider of elder care in Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson, and the surrounding areas, provides compassionate home care services including medication management for seniors, transportation to the doctor or pharmacy, prescription pick up, transitions home from the hospital, and much more.
To learn more about how our professional in-home caregivers can help you and your loved one, contact us at (520) 355-4787. We can schedule a free in-home consultation to learn about your particular needs and challenges and develop a personalized care plan that improves your loved one’s quality of life.