Dad’s taking an assortment of pills, twice a day…then a few more after dinner and at bedtime. And of course there are those to be taken “as needed.” Before long, medication schedules can start feeling like a second full-time job.
If it seems like prescriptions have quietly multiplied over the years, you’re not imagining it. Polypharmacy, or taking multiple medications at once, is incredibly common among older adults. But here’s what’s often missing from the conversation: more medications can sometimes mean more problems, not fewer. That’s why there’s a new shift in thinking towards deprescribing: a smarter way to simplify, protect health, and get life back into focus.
What Is Deprescribing?
Deprescribing is the intentional process of cutting back or stopping medications that may no longer be needed. It means asking:
- Is this still helping?
- Could this be causing harm?
- Is there a better, safer option?
As we age, our bodies change. What made sense at 55 might cause dizziness, weakness, confusion, or dangerous falls at 85. Deprescribing makes sure medication routines fit the current person, not the pastprescription.
When deprescribing is done carefully and thoughtfully, the benefits can be life-changing:
- Clearer thinking
- Fewer side effects
- Improved strength and balance
- A lower risk of hospitalization
- A greater sense of independence and control
Signs It’s Time to Ask About Deprescribing
Medication reviews shouldn’t just happen after a big health scare. Watch for these everyday signs that deprescribing might help:
- Feeling dizzy or unsteady on the feet
- New confusion, forgetfulness, or “brain fog”
- Weight loss or loss of appetite
- Feeling unusually tired, sluggish, or weak
- Trouble keeping track of all the medications or missed doses
Even if there are no obvious warning signs, it’s wise to schedule a full medication review at least once a year. Healthcare providers are increasingly recognizing the power of deprescribing to prevent problems before they start.
How Home Care Makes Deprescribing Safer and Simpler
Managing medications at home isn’t easy, and mistakes can be catastrophic. At Senior HomeCare of Tucson, we can help older adults in a variety of ways with adherence to recommended medication directions as well as deprescribing, including:
- Spotting early red flags like changes in mood, balance, or memory
- Providing medication reminders to prevent skipped or doubled doses
- Picking up prescriptions and offering transportation to medical appointments
- Maintaining up-to-date medication lists for doctors and pharmacists
- And more
Caregivers can serve as an extra set of eyes and ears, noticing subtle changes that might indicate a medication problem long before a crisis happens. When deprescribing is recommended, having a home care team involved can make the transition safer and less stressful.
Why Deprescribing Matters More Than Ever
Studies show that older adults taking multiple medications have a higher risk of falls, fractures, cognitive decline, and hospital admissions. Every pill may have a purpose, but that purpose should always be up for review. When medications pile up over the years, the original reasons for taking some of them may no longer apply. Others might conflict with new health conditions, leading to side effects that get misinterpreted as “normal aging.”
Where to Start With Deprescribing
You don’t have to have all the answers to start asking the right questions.
Gather a complete list of medications: prescriptions, supplements, vitamins, everything. Then, schedule a review with a healthcare provider to get answers to questions such as:
- Which medications are essential right now?
- Could any of these be scaled back or stopped safely?
- What are the risks if we continue all of them?
It’s important to remember that deprescribing should always be done under medical supervision. Never stop a medication on your own.
With the right plan and the right support, deprescribing can help open the door to fewer pills, fewer side effects, and more good days ahead.
At Senior HomeCare of Tucson, we’re here to support safer aging, healthier living, and confident decision-making, every step of the way. Contact us any time at (520) 355-4787 to learn more about our home care services in Tucson, Oro Valley, Catalina, and the surrounding areas.