Are We Poisoning Our Seniors?
Accidental poisoning of seniors is a silent epidemic plaguing our generation of elderly. It is important to know the hazards and safety practices involved with medications.
(PRWEB) March 12, 2004
Accidental poisoning of seniors is a silent epidemic plaguing our generation of elderly. Many medications, which are beneficial to others, are inappropriate for seniors and can be deadly if taken in combination with other remedies. Over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, sedatives, antidepressants, pain medication and even prescription medications can cause adverse drug reactions and side effects resulting in fatal or life-threatening injuries.
Frequently, the reactions to these medications include dizziness, instability with walking, falling, and disorientation or confusion. These signs are often dismissed simply as the consequences of growing older, or as symptoms of another disease which may result in additional medications being prescribed. The following are measures that seniors and their families can take to avoid a potential problem:
1. Make sure the individual can read the medication labels. Often they attempt to do so without their glasses or in the dark, causing mistakes in taking the correct medication or dose of medication.
2. A record of all medications, along with the dose and time they are supposed to be taken, should be kept and updated frequently. Include all over-the-counter drugs and all prescribed medications from each physician the individual sees for care. This record should be taken to each doctorÂ’s visit to assist with the coordination of care.
3. Store all medications in the original containers and in the same area. Seniors often reach for a medication in a “familiar location” and if it has been moved from its usual place, they may accidentally pick something else up by mistake. This will also eliminate the potential for outdated drugs to accumulate and inadvertently be taken.
4. Choose an individual to coordinate and manage the care of the senior with all of the doctors that they see and the medications they take and select a single pharmacy to fill all prescriptions. Often times a family member or reliable friend can assist in this process, or you can hire a consulting pharmacist or a geriatric care manager to assist.
5. Search the web for general information on medications and drug interactions or expected geriatric reactions. Some examples of websites that can help include: www. ccgp. org, www. drugdigest. org, www. webmd. com and www. seniorcarepharmacist. com.
Make certain the senior understands that misusing medications is a leading cause of death in their age group. Taking a variety of different prescriptions may be necessary in a handful of patients. However, for the majority of seniors, a good diet and daily exercise can play key roles in helping to keep them healthy.
Sue Ellen Engelman has been assisting area families throughout the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area since the beginning of 2001 as the owner of Comfort Keepers in Luzerne/Lackawanna counties. Comfort Keepers offers companionship and other non-medical services for aging adults, new mothers and others needing assistance. In-home services include companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, transportation and more. Comfort Keepers does not utilize independent contractors. All caregivers are hired employees who are carefully screened, bonded and insured.
If you are in need of assistance or are interested in learning more about Comfort Keepers, please call (570) 474-9100 or visit www. comfortkeepers. com.
By: Sue Ellen Engelman
