photo credit: Nils Geylen
When a senior or elderly loved one takes medications ordered by a physician, it is very important that other medicine not be taken unless the physician knows about it. This includes over-the-counter medications as well as drugs prescribed by the same or other physicians.
The actions of some medicines are changed when taken with other medications, even a commonly used medication. Aspirin, for example can cause bleeding in certain situations, so it would be very important for the physician to be informed if
your loved one is on other medications takes an aspirin for headache, even on one occasion.
Certain foods change the reaction of specific medicines, as well. The medication bottle may contain a warning about what foods to avoid. It is extremely important that seniors follow their physician’s instructions about how and when to take their medications. Food and liquid can slow down or stop the action of certain drugs. Also, certain foods contain man-made chemicals or natural substances that may change the actions of the prescribed medications. Drinking alcohol can also seriously change the effect of drugs, so this should be observed and reported, when it occurs while clients are also taking medications.
What to do if your loved ones don’t want to take their medications.
After giving gentle encouragement to your loved ones to take their medications, the next step for a Comfort Keeper or caregiver in such situations should be to try to figure out why they aren’t taking the prescribed medications. By asking them and by observing them and knowing about their lifestyle, you or a Comfort Keeper may discover the reasons, which should then be reported to a physician or other family member to see if anything can be done about them.
There are many reasons elderly loved ones and seniors may not take their medications, including the following:
- They may have a difficult time obtaining their medicines because of transportation problems or because they cannot afford them.
- They may not understand their physician’s instructions about their medicines—or, because of having several medications; they may be confused about what to take, how much to take, and when to take them.
- Arthritis or other disabilities (difficulty with walking, seeing, or remembering, for example) may make it difficult for clients to get to or to open the bottles or containers, in which medications are stored or difficult for them to take, apply or swallow.
- They may not believe their medications will help them, they may dislike their side effects, or they may not feel they want to get well.
Keep these tips in mind when helping a loved one adjust and use medications to ensure things go smoothly.
At Comfort Keepers we seek to be a resource to you because we are Comfort Keepers caregivers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 855-592-0013.
