Older adults often find themselves with more than one doctor managing their care. Research shows that seniors can put themselves at risk with multiple medications from several doctors. Check out the practical advice below along with the Home Instead Senior Care network's Senior Emergency KitSM at www.senioremergencykit.com
The Senior Emergency Kit features several worksheets that family caregivers can complete with the help of a senior loved one. This toolkit can be kept in an easy-to-reach location, such as a nightstand, to allow easy access to information.
If you're confused about the many medications Mom and Dad are taking, join the crowd. On average seniors ages 85 and older take 34 prescriptions, including refills, per year, according to the ASCP.
After 35 years as a pharmacist, Rob Albers was familiar with many of the medication risks that older adults face, from overdosing to improper medication use. But he wasn't prepared to see a medication mistake result in an accident that left his own father, John, paralyzed from the waist down.
If you don't have a medical background, you can feel overwhelmed about how to keep your seniors safe at home, especially if they are taking many medications.