Medicine is our friend, it helps us recover from illnesses and helps us live longer. But only if it’s taken the right way.
To get the best results, it is advisable medicine is taken in the right dosage, right times and right mixtures.
Contents
- 1 Drug Administration for Elderly
Drug Administration for Elderly
Some elders may suffer from dementia, and might not be in a position to administer the drugs to himself/herself. Elders in this condition may not be able to determine the right dosage to take, they may also not be able to determine the times at which to take their drugs.
A simple solution to this problem is to buy a locked pill dispenseror automatic pill dispenser for seniors. Pills are safely stored in these dispensers and an alarm or notification goes off to remind the elder that it is time to take their medicine, and the dosage they are supposed to take.
One of the major jobs of caregivers is to ensure that their wards take their medication properly.
What Are Prescriptions?
Prescriptions are drugs recommended to you by your doctor, and no one else. This basically means a doctor’s order. No one else is in a position to prescribe drugs to you.
Consequences Of Not Taking Your Medication Properly
It’s common to see some seniors neglect their schedules, and take their drugs any time they feel like. Many of them believe there are no consequences to this, but there are. In fact some of these consequences can be life-threatening!
According to the Center For Disease Control (CDC) failure to take medication on schedule and in the right dosage is responsible for killing an average of 125,000 Americans every year. This comes in the form of chronic disease treatment failures.
The CDC also estimates that about $300 Billion Dollars is spent on hospitalization and emergency room visits, due to mismanagement of medication.
Let us take a look at some of the consequences of not taking medication properly.
Increased Disease Risk
If an elder does not take his/her medication properly, they face the risk of full disease manifestation.
For instance, not taking blood pressure medication properly can increase the risk of having a stroke, kidney failure or heart disease.
Those who are on statin-reducing medications can increase their risk of having a heart attack by 25% if they stop taking their medication.
Basically, diseases can manifest significantly if medications are not taken the right way.
Hospitalization
Another possible outcome of not taking medication properly is hospitalization.
Failure to take medicine on time or in the right dose can lead to complications, which will in turn lead to visits to the emergency ward.
It Can Lead To Death
The wrong mixture of medicine or an overdose of it can ultimately lead to the premature death of an elder.
As I have mentioned earlier, the CDC has reported that about 125,000 deaths in America is caused by failure to take medication on schedule and in the right dosage.
Tips For A Consistent Medication Schedule
It may be difficult for an elder to stick to schedules, especially if they suffer from mental conditions, but a caregiver can be employed to make sure medication is taken on time and in the right doses.
Below are some useful tips.
- Follow the instructions for your medication and always ask for clarification if there’s anything you do not understand
- Use a pill container to remember each drug and refill it every week on the exact same day
- Treat your medication schedules like your common daily habits. Like brushing your teeth or taking your bath
- Be responsible enough to stick to your medication schedule everyday
Questions To Ask Your Doctor About A New Medicine
- What is the name of this medicine and why did you prescribe it?
- What health condition does is this medicine meant for?
- How many times a day am I to take it? If the bottle says 3 times every day, does that mean during the day alone or night time inclusive?
- How much of the medicine should I take?
- How long will it take for this medicine to work?
- Will this medicine have any side effects?
- Will this medicine work well if I am on other medications?
- What medicines are compatible with this medicine?
- Can I drive after taking this medicine?
- When should I stop taking this medicine?
- What should I do if I forget to take my medicine?
Medication And Traveling
Before you travel, pay your doctor a visit and ask what adjustments need to be made in your medication. Take these factors into consideration –
- Change in time zone
- Diet Change
- Change in weather
What Are Side Effects?
Side effects are unwanted or unexpected feelings that occur after taking certain medications.
Some of the most common side effects include –
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Itching
- Drowsiness
Most side effects are minor, but some can be life threatening.
Always check for side effects of a drug before you take them.
How To Keep Track Of Your Medicine
Follow these tips –
Make a list – Be sure to write down the names of all the drugs you take. This list should include the time you’re supposed to take the drugs, and the dosage.
Check expiration dates – Before you take any medicine, make sure you check the expiration dates. Taking expired drugs is very dangerous, as it can have life threatening side effects.
If you come across any expired drug, be sure to safely dispose of it immediately.
Keep out of reach of children – If there are children in the house, make sure you store your medicine in places they cannot reach. It could be high up the cupboard or somewhere else that’s safe, maybe in a locker in your room.
If necessary, place it in a cupboard that can be locked with a key.
It is dangerous for children to ingest drugs meant for adults.
Conclusion
It is wise to always take drugs as prescribed. Make sure you follow all the instructions on the bottle, and get your prescriptions from a qualified doctor.
Be safe!