Thursday, December 29, 2011

Helping Elderly Parents with Medication

43 Million Americans are caring for an aging parent, spouse or loved one. According to a recent study by caring.com, 27 percent are part of the "Sandwich Generation," meaning they are also caring for their young children at the same time. This is a source of great stress for caregivers who bear this responsibility...especially when it comes to their medications. Here are some ways to protect your parent and communicate with thier doctors.

Senior Helpers assists elderly woman with medicationsFirst of all, make an appointment with your parent's doctor so you can ask any questions you have about their care and medications. Make a list of your questions prior to visiting so you don't forget while you are there. Bring all of the medications, in their bottles, with you to the appointment. Include over-the-counter medications, or supplements they are taking.





Sample questions you should ask the doctor:

  1. What is this medication used for and why is it necessary?
  2. What are the benefits of taking it and what are the negative side effects?
  3. How much should they take of the medication and how often?
  4. Are their any other medications they are on that could possible interact with this medication?
Be sure to write down what the doctor says and discuss this with your parent. Make sure they understand what the doctor said and go over any questions they have.

Seniors are often overmedicated, especially if they see more than one doctor or use more than one pharmacy. This is why it's so important for you to have a list of every medication they take and bring this with you to all appointments. Have a doctor review all the meds and see if anything can be eliminated or reduced. The best way to avoid a devastating drug interaction or adverse reaction is to use one pharmacy all the time. Their systems will likely pick up on any drug interactions.

If you need assistance caring for your elderly parent, spouse or loved one, Senior Helpers of NJ can help. We provide caring in home companions who can assist your parent/spouse with daily medications, visits to the doctor and any other daily activities they need help with. Senior Helpers has systems in place that monitor their medications and determine if they are taking them and if they are taking them properly. For home health care in Brick, Jackson, Manchester and Toms River, NJ, contact Senior Helpers.

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