10 Hints To Avoid Elderly Medication Problems Phoenix Elder Care

1. Check the label when you get a medication to be sure that you receive the proper medication. Read back the prescription to your pharmacist and doctor.
2. Keep all prescription in original containers.
3. Contact your medical doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts about dosage.
4. Always fill all your medications at the same pharmacy.
5. Read the patient information sheet that comes with the prescription.
6. Alert your pharmacist right away if there is a change in the color, size, shape or smell of your medications.
7. Don't ever share or take another person’s medication.
8. When in doubt about a prescription you are taking, always consult your doctor. Ask about side effects that you might experience or expect.
9. Construct a list of the meds you are taking and present a copy to your CareGiver and family members. Your list ought to include the following information:
- Your full name, your social security number and your date of birth. The Pharmacy needs this information when your caregiver is going to refill the medication without the client there. Social security number and your date of birth should be kept on a separate sheet of paper to defend against identity theft.
- Prescription name (the drugs being taken, both brand name or)
- Strength (dosage)
- The directions for taking the medications, including how many times a day and what time of day medication should be taken
- What liquids or foods are being used to take or should be used to take with meds, for example, water, juice, apple sauce etc.
- Allergies to certain medicines or foods
- Pharmacy and health care providers names, addresses, phone number
- Family contact numbers
10. When in skilled nursing or a hospital:
- State your name before taking any medications and always show your wrist bracelet for identification. Ask the nurse to identify each medication by name before you take it.
- Ask your nurse why your medicine has not been given at its expected time during your hospital stay.
If your medication was prescribed in the hospital, look for new side effects. If you experience new side effects or your condition is not improving as it should, tell your nurse or doctor. Every so often meds need to be changed when they are not performing properly.
Always ask the doctor how long a particular medication will be needed. Oft times prescriptions are added in the hospital or skilled nursing facility for a temporary condition, but when you leave the hospital for skilled nursing or your home, the medication isn't stopped. A different doctor may not want to terminate a prescription from another physician.
- Remind the physician if you have any allergies to certain prescriptions and food, or if you also have a condition that could affect the use of certain prescriptions.
1. Tell your pharmacist and doctor if you are taking any dietary supplements or over-the-counter meds.
2. Make sure your CareGiver has an up to date medication log listing all medications, Doctor’s name, and Pharmacy.
Be sure to only take prescriptions that you really need and verify with your physician why you are taking it, how long you may need it, what side effects to watch for, and that it won't conflict with any other meds you might be taking.
In the Phoenix area Care-To-Go, an in home care agency can assist you with your medication organization. Care-To-Go also can provide complete in-home care elder services. Contact Care-To-Go at www.Care-To-Go.com and for an Elder Travel Companion www.CareToGoTravel.com

Article Source: http://casinoarticles.us

Captain Gable is a freelance writer featuring airline articles as well as Elder Travel and Home Care Articles. For more information see care-to-go.com and caretogotravel.com Here are a series of articles and information gathered from 35 years airline experience and over 30 years of family home care caregiver experiences.

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