Did you know that more than 40 percent of people over age 65 take five or more medications, and each year about one-third of them experience a serious adverse effect?
A recent US Department of Health and Human Services report showed 16 out of 17 studies under review reported a higher risk of elderly patient hospitalization due to drug interactions.
Loved ones can take a proactive approach to helping seniors stay safe and healthy. Here are some tips you can implement today, and keep in mind throughout the year:
- Have all prescriptions filled at one pharmacy so pharmacists can help monitor potential interactions.
- Make sure all medications are clearly labeled. Printing on labels can be very small; help seniors identify and dispose of any meds that have expired.
- Review all over-the-counter and prescription medications being taken with a medical professional on a regular basis.
- Always check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs.
- Set up a reminder system (like a daily pillbox, calendar or chart) to ensure all medications are consistently being taken.
If you or a loved one needs extra help with medication monitoring, please contact the Home Attendant Care office nearest you (Whatcom or Skagit Counties). Our Department of Health registered caregivers work with seniors every day to ensure they are taking medications as prescribed.