Medication Safety Tips for Older Adults

Many seniors take medications on a regular basis, but there are important considerations they should keep in mind while doing so. Taking an incorrect dosage of a prescription, mixing certain drugs, and side effects from meds all have the potential to cause serious harm to older adults. 

Precautions to Follow When Using Medications

The physical changes that occur to our bodies as we age mean that seniors have a higher risk of experiencing negative effects. If you or a loved one take daily medications, here’s what you need to know to stay safe and healthy. 

Always Take Your Meds as Prescribed 

• Don’t split or ration pills. 
• If you miss a medication dose, talk to your doctor about how to correct the dosage.
• Don’t take a medication that hasn’t been prescribed to you. 
• Use an alarm or tracker to help you stay on top of usage. 

Have a Medication List

• Keep an up-to-date list of current meds with you at all times. A trusted friend or family member should have a list as well. This should include the prescription's brand name and generic name, any OTC meds you take, why you’re on each med, the dosage and how often you take it, and pharmacy information. 

Double Check Labels

• It’s crucial to take the correct prescription at the time it needs to be consumed. Be sure to double-check the labels before taking them. Use a magnifying glass or ask someone to assist if you have a hard time seeing the label clearly. 
• Do not take medication that is expired or appears to be tampered with. 

Keep Prescriptions Organized

• Store your prescriptions in the bottles they came in, and don’t remove their labels.
• Resist the urge to pour your entire bottle of pills into a bag or container since many medications look similar to each other. Instead, organize them into a daily pill box every week.
• Store medication in a cool, dry area unless it needs to be refrigerated. 

Be Aware of Possible Interactions 

• Don’t consume alcohol. Alcohol can interfere with certain meds or enhance side effects like drowsiness. Plus, drinking may increase your fall risk when combined with prescriptions. 
• Talk with your doctor and pharmacist about any medications you’re taking, whether prescribed or over the counter. Herbal supplements can often pose issues when combined with prescription drugs. Additionally, if you have a medical condition like high blood pressure, you may be unable to take certain common decongestants. 

Visiting Angels Arlington Heights Can Help

Visiting Angels offers flexible in-home care options for seniors in the Arlington Heights area. We are committed to senior safety. While we only provide non-medical home care, our experienced caregivers can help you or your loved one with daily medication reminders and assistance. 

For more information or to schedule a free initial consultation, please fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 847-963-8944.