Did you know that there are some medication mistakes that can kill the elderly? Sadly, this happens more that you might think. Whether it is taking too much, too little, mixing or taking the wrong medications, senior citizens are often at risk.
It is calculated that close to 100,000 Americans die each year from medical errors originating in hospitals. However, this number does not take into account the people who receive medications in other places, which also includes their homes.
How You Can Prevent Medication Mistakes That Can Kill
Make it Easier for Your Loved One’s Doctor – You should tell your senior loved one’s doctor about any medicine that they are taking. Make sure you list the herbal medicine, nutritional supplements and other non-prescription drugs along with the prescribed medicine.
Stick with Who You Know, and Trust – If your family has been using the same doctors and hospitals with outstanding results in the past, there is no need to relocate to some other medical facility unless your loved one cannot receive the same type of procedure where they usually go. A familiar setting can also help calm a senior’s nerves and help them feel confident.
Read the Labels – Throughout the years, pharmaceutical companies have worked tirelessly to produce safer medication, and better labeling that will reduce risk factors. Yet, even with these precautions in mind, people still tend to overdose on drugs due to lack of proper information and instruction. Believe it or not, it is sometimes caused by not reading the prescription label.
Caregivers should read the label on any medicine that is given to seniors. If there are any uncertainties, you should contact their doctor. This should be the first course of action when treating the elderly.
Fake Medications – Although, this is not as common or well-known in the United States, millions of people lose their lives each year because of fake, or counterfeit medications.
Often, this medicine is produced, packaged, and labeled to look like the real product. Unfortunately, the products contain nothing more than vitamins, or other worthless ingredients. Regardless, if fake medications don’t contain toxic ingredients, they also do not have any ingredients that can help a serious illness.
You should always get your medications from a reliable pharmacy in the U.S. If you are purchasing your products from Mexico, Canada, or other countries that may not have
FDA approval, you could be risking your loved one’s life.
Always Supervise When Possible – You wouldn’t give a young child a box of medicine and tell him or her what the dosage was, and when they should take the medicine. Instead, you would supervise dispensing that medication. The same should be said for senior citizens. Always take the time and try to be there when it is time for your senior loved one to take his or her medicine. If you can’t be there, try and have other family members around when it is time to take the medicine.
Medication Mistakes That Can Kill the Elderly – Conclusion
Remember that most medication mistakes can be prevented. You and other family members should take the time and become active in what is happening with your senior loved one. Talk with doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Always ask questions about any procedures that might need to be done and ask about the risks or complications.
The elderly can be extraordinarily fragile and might not have the liberty of a second chance if medical mistakes occur. You can help become their eyes and ears.
Always remember that medication mistakes can kill the elderly. It remains the responsibility of family members, close friends, and other caregivers to educate themselves and prevent these errors. They took the time to raise their children. Now, it’s time that you return the favor and care for your loved one.
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