Miraculous Medications Require Mindful Monitoring

Written by The Nursing Team at Atherton


 

Americans in the age group of 65 years and older are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population.  By the year 2030, their numbers will top over 72 million people.  Today’s seniors live longer than before, and a reasonable commitment to health and wellness, combined with medical and technological advances make it more possible than ever for older adults and all of us to live our years as healthy and pain-free as possible.

The importance of medication management cannot be overemphasized, particularly when it comes to seniors, who often take multiple medications at the same time to treat numerous conditions and symptoms. An article from the New England Healthcare Institute states that “51% of individuals 65 years and older who use medications take at least five different prescription drugs daily.  Among those using five or more medications, 63% say they forget doses.”  Good patient compliance means taking the right drugs at the right time and in the proper dose. “Drugs don’t work in patients who don’t take them.” (C. Everett Koop, MD.) Fortunately, embracing simple tips for healthy aging and being informed about their prescription medications can allow seniors to live longer, pain-free lives.

Try to:

  • Set a daily routine. We are creatures of habit, so use it to your advantage.  Try to take your medications at the same time and place every day.  Always check the medication label or ask your healthcare professional if you need to take each medication at a specific time or if you have some flexibility.  Take your medication exactly as directed.
  • Keep your medications in one cool and dry location. Store all of your medicines in one place unless one needs to be stored in the refrigerator.
  • Keep a current list of your medications. Know the names, reasons for use, and possible side effects.  This list should include all of your prescription medications, sample medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
  • Stay with one pharmacy. Obtain and refill all of your prescriptions at a single pharmacy location rather than multiple locations. Talk to your pharmacist about scheduling medication refills at the same time, if possible. This will reduce the number of trips to the pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medications because they may conflict with your current prescription medications.
  • Be mindful of medications that are unsafe for seniors. The American Geriatric Society has developed a list of medications that older adults should avoid or use with caution. Easy access to this list is available at HealthinAging.org (or go to News & Events at Atherton’s website, www.abh.org and see Useful Resources). Ask your pharmacist if any of your medications are on the caution list, and whether you should be concerned or alarmed.
  • Count your pills. If you know how many pills you have left, it will be easier to figure out if you’ve missed a dose or already taken one.  Pill organizers, medication management devices like pill dispensers, and even reminder services can be useful tools for some seniors. This is an area where the technology is exploding and there are many new gadgets and tools that provide computerized reminders and dispensers to help you stay on track. Some of these are very easy to set up and use. Smartphones and other devices can provide reminders to help you keep track of your medication schedule.
  • Know the side effect profile of your medication. Knowing the potential side effects and interactions can help you stay alert to any health changes that may occur in response to a new medication or combination of medications.  If you do notice health changes, contact a physician right away.
  • No matter what, be sure to take your medication as directed. Not taking them the correct way can make you sicker, lead to more hospital visits and increase your medical costs.  Sometimes people make decisions about taking their medication based on how they are feeling at the time. This is a very poor practice because many of the most serious medical situations we face are not necessarily conditions that affect our immediate sense of well-being. For example, we all know the dangers of stopping a prescribed course of antibiotics after our most intense symptoms subside. This can easily lead to a relapse or create the need for stronger and stronger antibiotics in the future.  Remember, don’t stop or change the way you take any of the medications prescribed to you without talking to your healthcare professional first.

Don’t be afraid to inform your healthcare professional if you are having trouble remembering to take your medications. There are many ways they can help if they have this information.  The single most important step you can take is to ask your healthcare professional if there is a simpler way for you to take all of your medications.  For example, is there a way that you can take fewer pills on fewer occasions or to better fit with your lifestyle?  He or she may be able to offer other solutions too.

We live in an age when medication provides untold medical miracles. With these wonders comes the responsibility for each of us to use these carefully as if our lives and futures depend upon it, because they do.