Tips for Medication Management for your Senior

Older adults often take more medication than those who are younger because they face a variety of health issues. It can become confusing for them to keep track of what medications they are taking, how much, and how often. Not taking them as prescribed can be dangerous to their health because they may not be getting enough to keep their condition under control, or they may be taking too much.

1. Make a list. Create a list of all of the medications that your loved one is taking. Include the name of the medication, how much is taken, when it is taken, how it is taken, and if there are any special instructions. It can also be helpful to include why they are on it. Don’t limit the list to just prescriptions. If they take any over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, or supplements, include these too. Some medications can have harmful interactions or decreased effectiveness when taken in combination with something else. Keep a copy for yourself, give one to your loved one, and leave one posted on the refrigerator or another central location in case of emergency.

2. Educate yourself. Find out as much as you can about the medication. What is it used for? What are potential side effects? What happens if a dose is missed? Your senior should have at least a basic understanding of each medication they are taking. Keep the list of medications handy so that it can be referenced at doctor appointments or the pharmacy in case questions arise.

3. Get rid of expired medications. Keep all medicines well organized. Safely dispose of any outdated medications or ones that your loved one is no longer taking. This can help to reduce confusion and the risk of them taking the wrong drug.

4. Set reminders. If your senior has trouble remembering to take their medication, set an alarm or other form of notification to remind them. Arrange pills in a pill box divided by how frequently they are taken. Your loved one can see exactly which pills to take with breakfast, lunch, dinner, or other times of the day. An in-home care provider can also help to ensure your loved one is taking their medications properly.

5. Ask questions. If you notice any side effects or have other questions about potential interactions or whether or not the medication is working as it should, talk to the doctor or pharmacist. They are a valuable resource and can help to keep you informed and educated about the various medications.

Work with your loved one to set up a consistent schedule or routine that helps them remember to take their medications. Ensure that they are able to take each medication as prescribed. If they have difficulty swallowing pills, it may be available in a liquid form. Pay attention to how they respond and any side effects they may be experiencing. By working together, you and your senior can help to maximize their health by maintaining proper control over their medications and seeing to it that they are taken correctly.

Benefits of Technology for Seniors

Technology advances every day and is becoming an even greater part of people’s lives. Oftentimes seniors are thought to be some of the last to engage simply because devices are unlike other things they have used and they may find them complex. They are not used to navigating and interacting with them. However, integrating technology into their lives and teaching them how to properly use it can have many benefits.

Keeps their mind sharp and body active. There are many different applications and systems that can induce higher-level thinking and problem solving. This can keep seniors’ minds more active and expand their thinking. Gaming systems can be used to incorporate exercise into their daily routine and practice fine and gross motor skills. This can be beneficial for coordination and mobility as well as a means of socializing with others if they play with friends.

Stay connected to loved ones. Communication is easier than ever with cell phones, email, and video chat programs. Programs such as Skype can allow families to chat even when they’re not close by. Email can be a great way to keep in touch and stay updated on what is happening in others’ lives as well as sending updates about their own. And cell phones mean people can be reached wherever they may be, not only at home. Having easier access to these means of communication can help to boost mood, ward off depression, and keep seniors and their families connected.

Increased safety options. There are many monitoring devices that can make contacting help as easy as pushing a button. Should your loved one fall, or feel ill, they can be connected with emergency personnel more quickly. Technology can also allow families to more closely monitor those with Alzheimer’s or dementia to help prevent wandering. Certain upgrades around the home can also improve safety and help seniors to live more independently as they age in place.

Monitoring health. There are many applications that can assist with medication management and tracking health. Seniors can get reminders when it is time to take their medication or refill a prescription. They can also keep a list of any medications they are on, conditions they have, provider information, and more, at their fingertips. If they should be at an appointment, they can easily bring this data up to provide more accurate information.

It can take seniors some time to get used to various devices or applications, but once they know how to use them, they may find them very beneficial. Talk to your loved one about their concerns and how different programs can be of assistance. Work with them to ensure they know how to use emergency call buttons, cell phones, video chat programs, or gaming systems. All of these options and more can help them to feel more confident and independent and give caregivers a little more peace of mind about their safety and wellbeing.

Should Your Senior Still be Driving?

Driving is an activity that requires many different skills. Failure to pay attention, change lanes correctly, or react quickly enough can all have negative consequences. As people age, there can be many factors that impact their ability to drive safely. While many seniors see driving as a significant part of retaining their independence, it is important to ensure that they are safe behind the wheel. Although it can be a difficult conversation to have, sometimes it is necessary to discuss alternatives to driving.

If you have concerns about your loved one’s driving, go for a ride with them. Evaluate how well they adapt to changing conditions around them, if they abide by posted signs, if they can find their way without getting lost, and are overall safe drivers. Go on both slower, less congested roads, as well as faster-paced highways. This can help you to determine if perhaps they might be okay sticking to short, local routes as opposed to longer distances.

The following factors can all impact driving ability:

• Vision: It is important to not only be able to read road signs but also notice objects in the periphery. Drivers need to be alert to what is happening all around them and be able to see obstacles or potential dangers.
• Hearing: Hearing sirens, honking, and other noises can help drivers to stay safer and move out of the way in emergency situations.
• Dementia: The onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s can make it unsafe for seniors to drive. They may become confused or agitated while behind the wheel, putting themselves and others at risk. They may become lost or disoriented traveling from one place to another, even if it is somewhere they know well. The person may also confuse the brake and gas pedals, turn signals, or other functions.
• Medications: Certain medications can impact driving ability. They may make people drowsy or confused or slow their reaction time. Talk to the doctor about potential effects of prescription medications and how they may impact driving.
• Mobility: Those with decreased mobility may have a more difficult time driving. Their reaction time may not be as fast, and it could be difficult or painful to move as required to check blind spots or safely turn or change lanes. Arthritis can cause still muscles and make grasping and turning the steering wheel more challenging.

Be alert to any dents or scratches on the car. This could indicate that your loved one is not as safe or alert as you may have thought. Paying attention to their driving and factors that may cause impairment can help you to keep your senior and others on the road safer. It can be a difficult topic to bring up, but necessary when it comes to their safety and security.

Ways to Keep your Mind Sharp as you Age in Place

As people age they may begin to notice that they become more forgetful or their thinking isn’t as clear or quick as it used to be. While minor memory lapses are normal, significant memory loss is not, even with aging. It is usually a sign of a condition such as dementia or the result of injury or other disorders. Engaging in daily activities to keep your mind active can help boost memory and improve processing. Here are some ways that seniors can work to keep their mind sharp:

Play higher level thinking games. Completing jigsaw, crossword, or logic puzzles as well as strategy games can promote problem-solving and stimulate the brain. They require more focus and thought than simple games that become more automatic.

Engage in regular exercise. Walking, swimming, yoga, and biking are all great activities for seniors. Exercise keeps blood flowing and can enhance heart health as well as ward off other diseases that can lead to memory loss. It is also a way to reduce stress, boost mood, and improve mental health.

Stay social. Spending time with others helps to work various parts of the brain. It can help seniors to remember routines, stay more mobile, and ward off depression. Interacting with others can be a healthy form of stimulation and give more meaning to each day.

Eat a healthy diet. Getting the proper amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can support brain function and memory. The body needs these things for good health. Fish are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which can reduce risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Continue learning new things. Another great way to stimulate the brain is to try new activities and develop different hobbies and skills. This diversity can activate various parts of the brain and help maintain healthy brain cells. Read a part of the newspaper you usually skip, volunteer in the community, join a club, or practice a new hobby. It gets your memory thinking in different ways and provides variety. It can also be a good source of exercise and socialization.

Just because you are aging doesn’t mean that you can’t keep your mind sharp. Find ways to stay involved and continue doing things that you enjoy. Eating a well-balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting adequate sleep can also help the brain to recharge and stay healthy. There are many ways to support better mental and physical health and today is a great time to start. Explore different opportunities and discover what you enjoy.

Making the Most of Mealtimes: Encouraging Better Nutrition for your Senior

Maintaining a well-balanced diet is essential at any age. It helps to provide energy, support the immune system, enhance mental health, aid in cellular function, and much more. As people age, it can be more difficult to keep up with these requirements for a variety of reasons. Family and caregivers can help to support better eating habits and nutrition in many ways:

• Ensure appropriate consistency. As seniors age, they may have more difficulty chewing or swallowing and this can impact the foods they eat. Opting for softer foods, blending or mashing them, or adding a thickening agent can all support the ability to eat and enjoy more foods.
• Vary flavors. Different medications can change the taste of foods, as can decreased sense of smell and taste. This can mean that certain foods are no longer appealing or do not taste the same. Use a variety of herbs, spices, and other natural flavorings to boost taste and make things more palatable.
• Prepare meals and snacks ahead of time. Having already prepared meals that just need to be reheated or can be consumed as is can reduce the effort and energy needed by seniors to cook. They have something simple at their fingertips and this can help to ensure more balanced meals and regular eating habits.
• Take seniors shopping or sign up for meal assistance programs. Sometimes lack of transportation or limited income can impact a senior’s diet. They either cannot get the variety of foods they need, or cannot afford them. Offer to take them shopping and help pick out healthy options. Look for local assistance programs that can provide financial help or distribute meals on a consistent basis.
• Offer companionship. Eating alone can lead to poorer nutrition. Make time to spend mealtimes together or arrange for companionship. Having someone to talk to and eat with can help seniors to have more of an appetite and boost their mood as well.

Pay attention to how well your loved one is eating and any areas where they struggle. Perhaps arthritis has made it more challenging to prepare food or medication has led to decreased appetite. Talk to their doctor about ways to improve their appetite and ensure they are getting the essential vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and calories they need. Arranging for in home care can provide an extra level of assistance with meal preparation as well as beneficial companionship and safety.