Medications can affect a senior’s cognitive ability, emotional stability, and balance. Some of the most common side effects of medication can be drowsiness, forgetfulness, anxiousness and depression. Oftentimes, as seniors experience these side effects, they automatically assume it is part of the normal aging process. Adding alcohol can exacerbate the problem and in some cases result in a deadly combination.
According to Mary Weathers, a Franchise Owner and Registered Nurse with Always Best Care Senior Services in Flagler County, Florida, seniors are more likely to experience chronic health problems, increasing their likelihood to utilize prescription drugs and overthe- counter supplements. Weathers, goes on to say that a combination of medications can create a higher risk for side effects. She also says that as our bodies age, organ function and blood circulation begin to slow and we tend to have more body fat. These changes allow drugs to stay in the body longer, increasing the chances of side effects.
Another common problem for seniors is that deteriorating eyesight can make prescription labels or package descriptions hard to read. This can lead to improper dosage, and as a result, can cause problems when medications are not taken properly. In addition, a senior who is taking several drugs or has cognitive impairment may forget to take medications or might not even know when they took their last dose. Dan Gregory, who is a Certified Senior Advisor and Franchise Owner with Always Best Care Senior Services in Wake Forest, North Carolina, recommends utilizing a drug organizer, which is a pill container that has separate pockets for each day. Dan goes on to say that helping a senior with a care plan is crucial. Communication between the senior, family, caregiver, physician, and pharmacist can help eliminate potential problems.