When providing home care for a senior loved one, you may discover he or she is taking a variety of medications. Without knowing all of the details, it can be difficult to determine when it’s safe for each medication to be taken. Here are a few rare situations when a doctor might suggest your loved one avoid taking prescription medication.
If a Severe Reaction Has Occurred
Before prescribing medication, the doctor should inform you and your loved one of any potential side effects. The doctor should also tell your loved one if it’s safe to stop taking the medication in the event those side effects occur. Some of the side effects you should be wary of include a drop in heart rate, vomiting, and a loss of motor function.
For some seniors, failing to take medications correctly can have life-threatening consequences. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Pearland seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
When Preparing for Surgery
Seniors have a much higher risk of complications taking place during surgery. The surgeon will give your loved one a comprehensive screening before any procedure to assess his or her general health and learn about any medication he or she is taking. If general anesthesia or a sedative is going to be used, the doctor might suggest your loved one stop taking painkillers or any medication that lowers the heart rate.
If you aren’t always able to be with your loved one to make sure he or she takes medications correctly, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide medication reminders. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional home care seniors can trust and rely on.
If an Addiction Has Developed
Prescription medication addictions are common among seniors. Many older adults take a variety of medications without realizing just how much of an impact it’s having on their bodies. If you’ve recently noticed any signs of addiction in your loved one, contact his or her doctor immediately to explore the options for detoxing or rehabilitation.
When Over-the-Counter Medication Is Already Being Taken
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication is generally harmless when taken by itself and at the correct dose, but it can be dangerous when mixed with prescription medication. This is because OTC medication must be filtered through the liver. Placing too much of a strain on the liver could result in organ failure and blood toxicity. Your loved one should be especially careful when taking over-the-counter NSAIDs, also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Pearland families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Assisting Hands Home Care. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call us today.
