Managing Your Elderly Parents' Prescription Medications - 7 Steps

!9#: Managing Your Elderly Parents' Prescription Medications - 7 Steps

A major part of caring for elderly parents is managing prescription medication. You must know what your parent is taking and who prescribed them, why they are taken, how they are taken, possible side effects, possible interactions, how to administer them, and how to monitor their use.

Write a letter authorizing doctors to talk to you about your parents' care, have it notarized, and be sure every doctor gets a copy. This one step will GREATLY simplify your life!

Step 1: List all the medications your parent is taking. You need to know the name, dosage, frequency, form (pill, liquid, etc.) and color, if there is a generic substitute, when it was started, and doctors' contact information. Be sure to include vitamins, over the counter drugs, and herbal supplements on the list. Update the list with every change as new drugs are added and old ones are stopped.

Step 2: Determine why each one is being taken. Learn what the drug does, how it works, and why it is being prescribed. For example, "(this drug) lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol, and your parent needs to lower the levels of cholesterol in their blood. Ask if tests will be needed to see if the drug is working.

Step 3: Know how it should be taken. Is it taken with or without food, what to do if a dose is missed, when to stop taking it, does it get refilled and how many times, does it need refrigeration, how/if to mix it. Find out if this drug is chronic/long term. Read and save all the written information that comes with the prescription.

Step 4: List and understand potential side effects. Some that are serious and need to be reported to the doctor ASAP include allergic reactions like skin rash, breathing problems, chest pain, fever, muscle cramps, lightheadedness, and swelling. Others, like cough, diarrhea, headache, stuffy or runny nose, upset stomach or difficulty sleeping may not need to be reported right away unless they get worse.

Step 5: List and understand possible interactions. There are different types of interactions to be aware of. Ask about over the counter medications for cold, fever, pain, etc. Find out if there are any foods to be avoided while taking any drug. Is it OK to drink alcohol? Caffeine? What about herbal supplements?

Step 6: Administer the medication. Are you dispensing the drugs to your parent? If so, decide if you need a daily/weekly organizer. If not, help your parent take the medications exactly as instructed. Do not skip doses. Avoid alcohol. Do not take drugs in the dark. Automatic dispensers are available that will sound alarms when it is time to take the drug. You may need to help your parent set one up.

Step 7. Monitor the medications. Check the pills often and see if they are being taken properly. Watch for side effects. Ask your parent if they feel better. Ask if they feel worse. Be sure your parent has any tests needed to see if the drug is working. Be sure refills happen on time, especially if your parent is using mail order (auto ship is available).

Managing Your Elderly Parents' Prescription Medications - 7 Steps

Buying Go Karts Dune Buggies Promotion Medela Breast Pump

The care for the elderly - Proofing Elder Home

!9# The care for the elderly - Proofing Elder Home

[if ]

[endif]

Did you know that it is estimated that 1 / 3 to half of all home accidents could be avoided if a number of modifications and repairs are made? It 'true, and especially with the elderly. Guarantee with a little effort, a keen eye for danger and the units for the elderly is as safe as possible, you will be able to rest assured that you made your living space as secure as possible older.

The best way to start age-proofing your home or the home of your old and doubling oreven triple your chances of keeping the old man out of danger from a survey of danger. To do things right, you should cover all the bases - both inside and outside the home or older home.

When measuring the inside of the bigger house, from room to room looking for things that could go be a danger. Things such as carpets, tiles loose in the bathroom, beds that are too high or too low on the ground or obstacles or against, but some potential problem areas are called. Getloose rugs that are not fixed to the ground. Even the areas that you feel very well may be at significant risk for an elderly person. Consider that even something like a table or shelf can unsturdy a great challenge for someone who is not so stable on their feet as they were previously present. Be sure to remove all the low standing tables and stools, along with other objects on the ground, such as baskets and stools. Let your old man to speak to you in possession of these objects -It 'important to have for their safety, to remove them.

The stairs are another area that should be considered a potential flashpoint. Of course, they never have a problem in the past, but now can become a major problem. Make sure they are well lit and have a sort of socket occurs when they are not carpeted.

Other areas to consider:

1 Improve the lighting inside and outside the home or apartment.

2 Determine the fate of small animals such as dogs orCats. Weigh safety concerns against the company for animal nutrition.

3 Pill Buy a vending machine and put into operation.

4 Install shelves in cabinets and turntables turntable plastic fittings that are already available on the shelves.

5 Purchase of a device for carrying out such hard to find items in the cabinets to reach. DO NOT let your old man to climb up and down a staircase or ladder.

If you notice your older home for potential hazards, accidentsoccur even after your best to do a test of their older homes. But the steps above, you are old your home much safer for them and will greatly reduce the likelihood of accidents happening.

The care for the elderly - Proofing Elder Home

Total Gym Workout Buy Now Discount Cookware Free Shipping