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About Cottage Grove sentinel. (Cottage Grove, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 19, 2016)
COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL October 19, 2016 11A Preventing medi ation mismanagement Medication management is an important issue for seniors and their families. Failure to properly manage medications can threaten the lives of seniors, highlighting the emphasis fami- lies must place on ensuring se- niors take their medications in strict adherence to their physi- cians’ instructions. Polypharmacy, or the taking of multiple medications for differ- ent conditions, can be a potential health hazard for the thousands of seniors who must manage health conditions with prescrip- tion drugs. Harmful drug inter- actions are a result of the confu- sion that can arise when seniors take multiple medications at the same time. The American Soci- ety of Health-System Pharma- cists estimates that more than 34 percent of senior citizens are prescribed medications by more than one physician, and 72 percent use medications they were prescribed more than six months prior. Many people also have begun “pharmacy shop- ping” to save money. According to a study published in 2010 in American Nurse Today, 44 per- cent of men and 57 percent of women older than age 65 take fi ve or more medications per week, with some taking as many as 10. Medication confusion is one risk, but older adults also me- tabolize medications differently than young people. As a result, they may be more susceptible to overdose or other ill effects. Families looking to help seniors effectively manage their medi- cations should consider the fol- lowing tips. • Keep a running list of medi- cations. Maintain a list of all medications being taken, noting both prescription and over-the- counter medications and any supplements and herbs. Provide a copy to any new doctors you visit and any new pharmacies you patronize. • Use pill sorters. Medication sorters can keep medications or- ganized and eliminate some of the personal error in medication management. Organizers have daily slots and may also differ- entiate between nighttime and daytime medications. • Understand why each medi- cation is being prescribed. Ask your pharmacist and doctor to explain why each medication is prescribed. This informa- tion should be printed on the prescription label. Some drugs designed for one symptom may actually be used to treat other is- sues as well. • Ask for help. Some seniors may benefi t from friendly re- minders from a loved one re- garding when to take certain medications, especially if they need to take multiple doses throughout the day. Cognitively impaired seniors may require the services of a visiting nurse or another caregiver. • Recognize that not all medi- cations are right for seniors. The American Geriatrics Society maintains a list of medications that older adults should avoid or take with extreme caution. Some drugs pose a high risk of side effects or interactions, while others are less effective. Discuss alternatives with your physician if you are prescribed one of these medications. • Keep a medication diary. Re- cord any side effects that occur and how the medications make you feel. Always bring up issues promptly with a doctor. Proper medication manage- ment can help seniors avoid drug-related accidents or worse. How to help so ially solated i seniors The elderly population is on the rise in many countries. Ad- vancements in healthcare and a growing emphasis on healthy lifestyles means people are liv- ing longer than ever before. Age is often accompanied by wisdom, but men and women may also fi nd that feelings of isolation, loneliness and depres- sion may also settle in as they grow older. The Journal of Pri- mary Prevention published “A Review of Social Isolation,” which observed how social iso- lation has been linked to numer- ous detrimental health effects in older adults. Some of these ailments may include increased risk for mortality, rehospitaliza- tion, falls, and dementia. Individuals looking to give back to their communities may want to consider helping seniors in their area. Although it can be diffi cult to see seniors with diminished physical or mental capabilities, the rewards of in- teracting and helping seniors can be immeasurable. There are plenty of ways to help seniors avoid isolation and continue to live fulfi lling lives. • Provide transportation. A Place for Mom, a senior hous- ing placement resource, notes that lack of adequate transpor- tation is a main cause of social isolation among seniors. Vol- untary or necessary cessation of driving makes getting to and from appointments or even rec- reational outings more diffi cult. Where public transportation is unavailable or challenging to come by, volunteers can help shuttle seniors to and from gro- cery stores, doctor’s offi ces and any other places they need to go. Getting out regularly and seeing new faces can help seniors over- come feelings of loneliness. • Participate in hobbies to- gether. Give seniors a sense of purpose by encouraging them to participate in hobbies or activi- ties. Book clubs are one activity that can interest people of dif- ferent age groups. • Encourage exercise. Physi- cal exercise keeps the body fi t and improves mental health. Seniors can benefi t from physi- cal activity because it promotes strong bones and a healthy car- diovascular system. In addition, seniors who enroll in exercise classes at gyms or local senior centers can meet like-minded adults, helping them overcome their feelings of isolation even further. • Provide meals and compan- ionship. Older adults may not be getting all they need to main- tain healthy weights and bodily functions. Cooking and shop- ping for healthy foods may be diffi cult. Provide seniors with healthy meals when possible, and take the time to share those meals. This can foster conversa- tions that keep seniors’ minds sharp and also may help prevent social isolation. Seniors can benefi t from many different forms of support, and helping older adults is a worthy volunteer initiative. MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS OCTOBER 15TH Do you need to Review next years choice? Call Paul to help simplify the complicated. Just 30 minutes That’s how long the average mammogram takes. One 30-minute screening could save your life. Now that’s time well spent. 541-517-7362 Paul Henrichs ~ Independent Agent coverage4oregon@gmail.com South Lane Physical Therapy LLC Did you know? Prevention Screenings Treatment W. STU HOGG PT, OCS, COMT To schedule, call 541-767-5333. We have moved and expanded to a new location! Orthopedic • Sport • Spine MARIE WILLIAMSON PTA 75 Gateway Blvd., Cottage Grove OR Phone: 541.942.6482 Fax: 541.942.6483
