Lessening the risks and dangers of mismanaging medications during senior living

As they age, many seniors take multiple medications every day for various symptoms and conditions. American Nurse Magazine reported in 2010 that about 44 percent of men and 57 percent of women over age 65 took five or more medications weekly; 12 percent of men and women took 10 or more.

However, when they forget to take medicine or take it improperly, the result can be a medical issue or an emergency, such as an unsafe drug interaction or overmedication. Despite a growing awareness of these dangers, every year several million Americans are admitted to nursing homes because of medication-related problems during their senior living years.

According to researchers Karen Dorman Marek and Lisa Antle, seniors most at risk for drug-related issues are those who live alone, have impaired vision and/or cognitive function, are 75 or older, take at least three medications or doses daily and have more than one prescribing physician.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) website offers seniors and caregivers information on the safe use of medicine, including eight tips for taking medicine safely. In addition, the NIA says to make sure medications are stored properly, have not expired and are refilled when necessary.

Medication management at senior living communities near you

At Country Meadows Retirement Communities, we understand that taking medications can become complicated and confusing. That’s why we have a professionally trained health care staff that is prepared to assist residents with their daily drug-taking regimens.

Residents in our personal care and assisted living homes can receive daily one-on-one assistance with medication management, as well as other personal needs, such as dressing, bathing, hair care, shaving and dental care.

For residents who are challenged daily by memory loss and confusion, Connections Memory Support Services at Country Meadows also provides them with dementia care, including cognitive and physical exercises and emotional support.

We invite you to contact us to learn more about our personal care and assisted living homes, Connections Memory Support Services and our independent living retirement communities. We would be happy to give you a tour of our senior apartments at any of our senior retirement homes.

If you are in the process of choosing a Pennsylvania or Maryland retirement home, we would like to introduce you to the services that Country Meadows can provide for you or your loved one.