Many elderly people have to take medications. Some even have to take a number of prescription medications in order to improve their quality of life. However, keeping track of all their medications and understanding the side-effects of each one can be overwhelming. This is why it is so important for elderly care providers and family caregivers to help elderly people in their life with prescriptions. Here are some tips to help ensure your elderly loved one is safe while using their medications.
Be There and Pay Close Attention
It is important to be present and pay attention to the patterns of your elderly loved one. For instance, you should make sure to watch and see if they are having problems sleeping and eating. There are many reasons why an elderly person might see changes in these areas. However, it could be a side-effect of their medication. If you notice changes, track them down. Then, you can speak with their doctor to ensure their medication doesn’t need to be altered in the future.
Get Everyone Together
It is essential to bring everyone on board when it comes to ensuring your elderly loved one is safe with their prescriptions. First, you need to convince your loved one that you have their best interest at heart. Next, you need to ask their medical team questions regarding each medication. Some of these questions include the following:
- How is each medication taken?
- How often is the medication taken?
- What is the proper dosage?
- What are the side-effects of the medication?
Along with these questions, ask the medical team what you should do if your elderly loved one is experiencing any side-effects.
Never Dismiss Your Elderly Loved One
There are times when a family focuses so much on what their loved one’s medical team is saying they forget to listen to their loved one. Don’t dismiss the comments coming from your elderly loved one. For instance, if they are complaining about frequently getting a headache after starting a new medication, listen to them. Then, you can speak with their medical team about it. This could be a side-effect of the newly prescribed medication.
Asking for Assistance
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It can be stressful trying to help your elderly loved one manage their medications. You don’t have to do it alone. You should speak to other family members. Ask them if they might be willing to help you out. You can also get assistance from an in-home elderly care provider. They can come to your elderly loved one’s home and be there when you need a break.
Conclusion
It can be difficult taking on the responsibility of ensuring your elderly loved one is safe with their prescriptions. Hopefully, these tips can help relieve some of the pressure.
If you, or an aging loved-one, are considering hiring Elder Care in Encinitas, CA, or the Surrounding San Diego Area, please contact the caring staff at GoldenCare today. Call us at (760) 828-5201 today.
Source:
https://www.fda.gov/
