When your senior loved one returns home from the hospital, she or he is likely to come home with several new medications. Making sure that these new medications are taken correctly and don't create any adverse effects with existing medications is vital to ensuring your loved one's recovery.
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.
Pharmacist Rob Albers tells the story of his 89-year-old dad, whose medication accident left him paralyzed from the waist down.
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.