Let’s Talk About Rx

10 Signs Medications could be to Blame – For more information on this story, go to LetsTalkAboutRx.com (LetsTalkAboutRx.ca in Canada)

• There are some signs that medications might be to blame when a senior isn’t feeling well. But only a medical professional can know for sure. Distinguishing between a medication side effect or reaction and an illness is a process best left to doctors. It’s always important to check with a doctor before drawing any conclusions or discontinuing prescribed medications, noted Dr. Jane Potter, geriatrician and director of the Home Instead Center for Successful Aging at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. This valuable information in your blog about the potential signs of medication problems will be sure to generate social media shares from your local partners.

Tips to Help Avoid Medication Mistakes – For more information on this story, go to LetsTalkAboutRx.com (LetsTalkAboutRx.ca in Canada)

• Nearly 20 percent of seniors who are taking five or more prescription medications surveyed by the Home Instead Senior Care® network reported challenges in managing their medication regimen including understanding directions for taking the medications. Such medication management uncertainty could put seniors at higher risk for a medical issue or emergency due to incorrect dosage or adverse medication interactions. And that could lead to potentially devastating consequences. Each year in North America, more than 100,000 older adults end up in the hospital because of medication problems. Sharing this important information in your blog could provide life-saving knowledge to those in your community.

Transition Times: When Seniors are at Risk of Medication Problems – For more information on this story, go to LetsTalkAboutRx.com (LetsTalkAboutRx.ca in Canada)

• Here’s an opportunity to share a story to two about how Home Instead Senior Care helped an older adult transition home from the hospital or rehabilitation program. Those transitions could be among the most dangerous times for a senior, according to Dr. Jane Potter, geriatrician and director of the Home Instead Center for Successful Aging at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Here’s why:

1. Hospital to home – Doctors often change dosages and add or cancel medications after an illness or surgery. These changes could be confusing for a senior who already may be weak from a hospitalization.
2. Rehabilitation to home – If a senior has been in a rehabilitation facility, he or she likely has had assistance managing medications. An older adult could become confused when they are trying to go it alone.

Home Instead Myrtle Beach would like to point out the benefits of in-home care assistance for continued help managing medications when it’s time for a loved one to return home. Let us help your loved ones.