Why medication management is so important for seniors
You might not know this, but as we age, our bodies undergo changes that can affect how we process medications. For example, our kidneys might not work as well as they used to, making it hard to clear medications from our system.
We also tend to be on more medications as we age. This is because the elderly are more likely to have chronic conditions that require multiple medications to manage their health conditions. This is called polypharmacy and can increase the risk of drug-drug interactions and medication nonadherence.
Older adults are also more likely to have adverse drug events. This is because our bodies are not as good at absorbing, distributing, and metabolizing medications as we age. This can lead to a buildup of prescription medication in our system, which can be toxic.
So, are there professionals that cater to senior medication management in particular? For starters, keep your healthcare provider up-to-date on all your medications, including over-the-counter medications, drugs, and supplements. Your healthcare provider can identify any risk of drug interactions based on a medication list. You can also consult your family caregiver or family members if it is something you are struggling to keep up with.
Cognitive impairment in seniors:
One of the reasons the elderly are more likely to have long-term medication problems is that they’re more likely to have cognitive impairment. A study found that elderly patients taking at least five medications are at increased risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
Moreover, everyday drugs tied to an increased risk of cognitive decline include anticholinergic drugs and sedatives. So if you’re taking any medications that fall into those categories, it’s important to be extra careful and follow your healthcare professional’s instructions to the letter.
Polypharmacy and cognitive impairment are both incredibly common in older adults, and they’re both associated with increased risk of falls, hospitalization, and mortality. So it’s essential to be aware of the risks and take steps to minimize them.
Vision or hearing problems in the senior age group:
Another reason the elderly are more likely to have medication problems is because they are more likely to have vision or hearing problems. It helps to have a medication reminder, a device-based solution, or a more personalized level of care at home.
As people tend to their senior age, they usually experience multiple changes in their physical, mental and social health. But some diseases are very common among the senior age group, which are eye and ear changes, ultimately leading to various diseases that usually result in vision and hearing loss.
Living Well Hospitality provides elderly care management in Minneapolis. Since 2018, we have been committed to raising the bar in the home care industry. Our caregivers make a difference, and we have built a team focused on delivering an exceptional home care experience. Whether you are looking for ways to manage medications or are exploring care options, reach out to our care specialist, who can help you explore our medication management services.
