Medication Safety for Seniors

Many people find that managing their medications becomes more complex to monitor and effectively maintain as they age. This can become a serious issue, especially since 40% of seniors take five or more prescription medications. As the list of prescriptions grows, maintaining medication safety is vital.

Couple this with the finding that older adults with decreased physical and cognitive ability may be more susceptible to the unintended consequences of prescription medication use, including side effects, and you can begin to understand the challenge of medication safety for seniors. However, with some organization, diligence and education, seniors can avoid self-inflicted medication errors and experience the benefits of their prescriptions.

Get Organized

Gather. If medications are strewn about the home they can be lost, taken by mistake, or be dangerously out of date. All medications, supplements, vitamins and over-the-counter medications should be collected and reviewed.

The medications should be stored in a cool, dry place (don’t store medications in the bathroom cabinet). They should be kept together in a clear plastic container so they are easy to see and find, The medication should be kept out of reach of children, grandchildren, and pets.

Make a list of the items you have gathered. The list would include the names of the prescription medications, dosage instructions, who prescribed them and what they are for, as well as vitamins, herbs, supplements and over-the-counter medications. Include how frequently prescription medications are taken and special instructions for their use, and when refills will need to be made.

Dispose of old medications. This reduces the chances of taking the wrong medication accidentally.

Set up a written log and tracking system. List what medications should be taken, and when. Include any special instructions (such as take with food) that are required.

Leave a place on the list to check off when the medications have been taken.

Make copies of this list for others who may be involved in the care needs of your senior loved one. Also, the list should be brought to all doctor’s appointments for reference during consultations and possible medication reviews.

Anticipate refills. It’s crucial to keep plenty of medications on hand. You can ask if the prescription can be filled for a 90-day period, which will require fewer renewals. Some pharmacies offer automatic renewals and home delivery services for convenience.

Use one pharmacy. Using one pharmacy improves the pharmacist’s ability to track a person’s medications, enabling him or her to watch for dangerous drug combinations. Using multiple pharmacies, often prescribed by different specialists, makes it more likely that a possible negative interaction may go overlooked.

Keep the physician informed. It is important that a senior’s primary care physician is kept up to date with all the medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements a senior is taking. During a review with the physician, it may be possible to adjust medications that will be more effective or substitute medications that are just as effective but cost less. It also forms a basis to discuss possible side effects and interactions from the medications the senior is taking. Specialists should also be aware of this information.

Organize the medications in advance. Pill boxes organized by date and time of day when a medication should be taken can be used to avoid the confusion of sorting through bottles and trying to read labels when it is time to take medications.

There are pill boxes that provide visual or audible reminders to take medications, and automatic pill dispensers that are locked systems programmed to notify the user and release exactly the right amount of medication at the correct time. Some models can send a text or other notification to the senior or caregiver if a dose is missed.

Look for signs of medication errors. If your senior has some memory or cognition problems, taking medications correctly without help will be more of a challenge. Look for signs that your senior is struggling with medications. These signs may include the presence of expired medications, unused pills, or medications that are missing labels and instructions.

Turn on a light. Another way to avoid confusion is to always set up and take medications in a well-lit room.

Share complete information. Errors can multiply when several people are involved in the medication process. Everyone needs to know precisely what and how medications are to be taken.

Educate Yourself

Understand signs of side effects. Medication side effects could include:

• Dizziness and falls
• Weight gain or loss
• Changes in memory and cognitive ability

Some side effects could mimic other conditions, including dementia. A sudden change in physical or cognitive status with the addition of a new medication could result as well.

Medications can be affected by food and beverages and supplements, altering the absorption of a medication. For example, grapefruit juice can change the effects of certain drugs. Smoking, drinking, dietary changes or viral infections can also affect how the body handles a medication.

It is important to take medications exactly as prescribed, and to consult frequently with a pharmacist and/or physician if there are any questions or concerns.

Also, read the data sheet that comes with the prescription to learn more about possible side effects, and look at the drug facts labels on over-the-counter drugs to be aware of any potential problems.

Actively managing your loved one’s health and safety can be difficult. Find more tips for caregivers on our blog.

Take Control of Your Health at Bethesda

Whether you choose independent living, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing, your experience at Bethesda will be filled with compassionate care and meaningful connections. If you or a loved one are in need of medication management among other personal care assistance, consider a senior living community. Schedule your tour by contacting us today.

With 133 years of experience, our non-profit has set the bar for quality and compassionate senior living in St. Louis. If you are considering independent living, we encourage you to tour our communities, including Bethesda Barclay House – Clayton, Bethesda Gardens – Kirkwood, Bethesda Orchard – Webster Groves, Bethesda Terrace – South County, Village North Retirement Community – Florissant, and The Oaks at Bethesda Villas – Kirkwood/Webster. With our full spectrum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, rest assured that all of your care needs will be met by highly-trained nurses and aides.