Medication Management

Those who have elderly relatives know all too well about the considerable concerns surrounding their health. This is especially true for seniors who have a chronic condition that requires them to manage a long list of medications. It’s difficult for family members to ensure their loved ones take the right drug at the correct time, but home care providers can offer some peace of mind.

Medication management plays an important role in senior health. Taking the wrong drugs together could cause an adverse reaction, and in fact, 40 percent of all adverse drug reactions occur in people over 60.

Home care providers can help seniors take the right medication in a number of different ways, many of which still allow them to maintain their independence. For instance, simple steps such as devising a detailed schedule can help ensure seniors stay on the right path. Home care providers can also separate each medication into a pill box, which makes it even easier for older adults to take the right drugs.

Of course, it’s important for family members to be involved as well. Whether their loved one has Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or COPD, educating oneself about the ins and outs of the disease, as well as what each medication does, is critical.

ze:11.5pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:”Arial”,”sans-serif”; mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;color:black’>Seniors are also particularly vulnerable for hospital readmission because they are more likely to be frail or have problems getting around the house. In this case, home care providers can be a big help. Depending on how much assistance a senior needs, professional caregivers can lend a hand with meal preparation, medication management or even providing transportation to follow-up appointments.

Preventing hospital readmissions is a serious concern among many healthcare experts. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, as many as one-fifth of all Medicare recipients return to the hospital within 30 days of their stay.