Preventing Senior Accidental Overdoses

Preventing Senior Accidental Overdoses is no easy job. A growing concern for family caregivers is the possibility of a loved one’s accidental overdose. This is an issue I hear about with alarming frequency. If nothing else, the statistics bear out the potential for danger to our loved ones.

Older women consume 60 percent of all prescription and OTC pills.  Here are some interesting facts.  The average senior has 18,5 of prescriptions written  per person per year.  Furthermore, approx. 80 % of men and women over 65 are taking prescription medications on a daily basis.. Most of these pills and medications need to be take on a regular intervals.  This being said,  an accidental overdose could be a problem for anyone;.  However, Loved Ones risks are increased by memory loss, and hearing difficulties.  Also poor vision can lead to medication errors and low vision.

Sponsored By Med-Q Medication Compliance System

It is critical that caregivers, we pay close attention.  The potential for an accidental overdose by a loved one can be avoided.  Planning and preparation will help reduce the mistakes.

Things we can do for Preventing Senior Accidental Overdoses

• Pay special attention to any changes in behavior.  For example, confusion and limited mental acuity.  Also,  changes in  speech patterns, physical strength or bouts of depression.
• Regularly check the medicine cabinet.  The same applies for meds stored in the refrigerator .  Check for actual usage patterns and expiration dates.
• Use a Smart Pill Box with Alarms or some kind of programmable Medication Dispenser.
• Ensure timely refills so there are no lapses in medication
• When you visit the doctor put all of the prescription bottles into a paper bag.  The same for when you go to the pharmacist.  The goal is to make sure that all medications work well together. This is one of the reasons that seniors should always take all prescriptions to the same pharmacist.  This way, the pharmacist is able toy cross-reference drugs.  They can see if there are any potential negative side effects.  One of the most important partnerships we can have with a care professional is often overlooked.  This relationships is with your personal pharmacist.
• Many of our loved ones are getting pills and other medications from different doctors. Make a list of all the prescriptions and any over-the-counter medications they are taking.  Have the list with you when talking to the  primary care physician.
• When talking with  loved ones, it is critical to remember that your most effective weapons against an accidental overdose are respect and understanding. Successful medication management works best when you are working as a team.