Home Care and the Importance of Medication Management

by Martha Hearts of Gold Home Care Round Lake, Illinois

Medication and the use of it is an important issue in everyone's life. Especially as we age. Medication plays an important role in our health and well-being. Seniors may have difficulty understanding that a regular scheduled medication regiment is extremely important in their everyday life.

Appropriate use of medication can help seniors live longer and stay healthier. Not taking medication properly can also have a significant impact on a seniors life. The more medication a senior takes the higher the safety risk becomes. Every medication has a side effect. Some when combined with others may have adverse side effects. Aging adults respond to medications differently that younger adults. This is also why it is very important to discuss the medications you are taking with each physician.

A lot of aging adults have chronic conditions and need their medication daily. Seniors often have multiple doctors. Sometimes the doctors are not aware of what the other is prescribing.

Communication in this matter is crucial. Seniors also visit different pharmacies. There is no coordination at this point. Since the average aging adult takes at least six different medications daily it is extremely important to have each doctor and each pharmacist know your list of medication that you are taking.

Twenty percent of emergency room visits and nursing home admissions are due to improper medication management. Providing your physician and pharmacy with a consolidated list of your medications and health history should be the number one priority of every senior and their family.

Memory or vision issues may make it more difficult for seniors to follow a proper medication schedule. Not taking medication on a schedule can also have an effect on a seniors health and well-being.

For these reasons we feel that proper medication management is important. Our agency, Hearts of Gold Home Care, provides in-home care assistance services for seniors. We feel that medication management is the most important part of home care assistance services. This is why we offer our medication management program as a complimentary service for all our clients.

A proper assessment of all medication is the first step which is managed by a Registered Nurse. We make sure to list all health issues and medications being taken. We ensure that each client keeps their doctors appointment. Each doctor is made aware of the medications being taken from each doctor that you see. This way there is coordination between them. We make sure your medication is refilled on time. Enlisting a daily schedule makes it easier for clients to take their medication. We educate caregivers, families and seniors to understand the importance of medication. Medication reminders done by a phone call or automated system may be helpful but there is no replacement for the value and benefit of one on one personal assistance. Working in conjunction with physicians, pharmacists and home health agencies allows us to provide proper high quality care to all our clients ensuring their safety, health and well-being. It allows them to remain independent longer in the comfort of home.

Martha is the owner of Hearts of Gold Home Care located in the Lake County, Illinois area. For more information on our complimentary Medication Management Program please call 847-740-1550 or visit us at Hearts of Gold Homecare a Senior Advocate