- November 15, 2024
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In the United States over 100,000 senior citizens are hospitalized every year due to medication problems. Under these circumstances, children of senior citizens, over the age of 65, are advised to broach the topic of medication management with their loved ones before a problem arises.
“Some senior citizens start to realize the risk of impending problems as their medications gradually increase and they are prescribed new medications. Eventually it becomes difficult for them to keep track of which medications they have taken and at what times.”
DEBORAH RONSON, general manager of Home Instead Senior Care
Home Instead Senior Care in Palm Coast has recently launched the program Let’s Talk about Rx in order to intervene the arising medication problems. The care center conducted surveys with local seniors, over the age of 65, to conclude that as a person grows older the responsibly to take the correct dosage of medication falls solely on the independent senior.
One-fourth of those who are 65-years and older are surveyed to take at least six different prescribed medications every day. Surveys have found that nearly one in five seniors have experienced difficulties with keeping track of taking their daily medications.
A senior’s uncertainty of taking their medications can lead to devastating consequences such as hospitalization due to a missed dosage, or overmedication.
General Manager of Home Instead Senior Care, Deborah Ronson, encourages families to consult with their loved ones on the subject.
“Many seniors we work with are used to being independent and do not want to burden their families with any problems they may be experiencing,” Ronson said. “Some senior citizens start to realize the risk of impending problems as their medications gradually increase and they are prescribed new medications. Eventually it becomes difficult for them to keep track of which medications they have taken and at what times.”
Ronson explained that depending on the medication, and the reason of diagnosis, missing only one or two doses can have a severe effect on the individual and can easily lead to hospitalization.
The Home Instead Senior Care offers services to senior citizens who remain independent. Qualified CNA’s visit the senior’s home daily to ensure medications are being properly taken. The caregivers will also accompany the senior to the doctor’s office and keep track of any new medications prescribed to the patient. It is critical that senior citizens get medication problems under control so they can remain healthy and independent for an extended period of time.
Visit LetsTalkAboutRX.com to learn more about the program.
