Managing Prescriptions for the Elderly

Managing Prescriptions: Keeping Your Elderly Loved One Safe and Healthy

Modern society turns to prescription medications to keep its population in good health, to maintain a high quality of living, and to address the many illnesses that may otherwise range from nuisances to debilitating conditions. Although modern medicine has certainly created prescriptions that have saved and improved lives, these same medications can turn deadly if they are not managed properly, as we certainly understand here at Always Best Care in Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Prescriptions often contain powerful chemicals and other substances, which can interact with one another if taken in the wrong combinations. These interactions can range in severity, causing issues as mild as a rash or slight discomfort and as severe as death. Furthermore, the side effects of certain medications can also be an issue, as most modern prescriptions are accompanied by a long list of potential side effects.

Ensuring that your elderly loved one is on the right combination of the appropriate medications is important in keeping him or her safe and in good health. Managing prescriptions may seem like a big job, but with a little extra effort you can keep your loved one's medication in order. These tips may make the task easier:

1. Go to the same pharmacy for all of your loved one's prescription needs. Many pharmacies will alert you if a new medication has the potential to interact with current prescriptions. Moreover, by building a relationship with a local pharmacist, you can be sure that your loved one will get the individual attention that they deserve.
2. Try to see the same doctor. Although this may be difficult if specialists are involved in the care of your loved one, going to the same doctor will minimize the risk of dangerous medication interactions, as the doctor will be well aware of all of the prescriptions that your elderly loved one is taking.
3. Understand the purpose of each medication. By getting online and doing a bit of research, or by simply asking questions when accompanying your loved one to the doctor, you can educate yourself about the medications that your elderly family member is taking. Being educated will reduce the risk of prescription mismanagement.

For those people who are not a part of the healthcare industry, understanding the different medications and their side effects may seem like a difficult task; however, by following these tips and making sure that you are well aware of the potential side effects and interaction dangers that each medication may present, you can contribute to the prolonged health and wellbeing of your elderly loved one.