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 it has been estimated that more than a third of senior adults take five or more prescription medications. As the list of prescriptions grows, proper medication safety for seniors 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 intended results 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If medications are strewn about the home they can be lost, taken by mistake, or be dangerously out of date.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 regularly.
The medications should be stored in a cool, dry place (don’t store medications in the bathroom cabinet as they can be susceptible to high moisture levels and heat from running water.) 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 medications you have gathered. The list should include the names of the prescription medications, number of milligrams or milliliters, general dosage instructions, who prescribed them and what they are for, as well as all vitamins, herbs, supplements and over-the-counter medications. Include how frequently prescription medications are taken and any special instructions for their use, and when refills will need to be requested.
Dispose of old medications.
This reduces the chances of taking the wrong medication accidentally. Plus, expired medications can be less effective or leave you at risk for additional side effects.
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 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 identify medications that will be more effective or substitute medications that are just as effective but cost less. Possible side effects and interactions from the medications the senior is taking also can be discussed at this time. 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 needs 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 make medication safety for seniors easier, and automatic pill dispensers that are programmed to notify the user and release exactly the right amount of medication at the correct time. These dispensers are locked systems, and 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 other supplements, altering the medication’s absorption capability. 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.
