As we grow older, it is normal for us to experience a decline in health. This may cause a certain percentage of the elderly population to be prescribed a variety of medications to be taken each day. Through proper medication management, older adults can make sure they can keep up with their daily prescription schedule to prevent further aggravating their medical conditions. Here’s what you can expect from the medication management program at a senior care center in Washington, PA.
Importance of Medication Management
It is important to understand that each individual can react differently to medications and this especially applies to the elderly. There are some medications that can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and drowsiness which may all be heightened in older adults. With proper medication management, these side effects can be monitored to help the elderly reduce their risks of falls. In 2017, falls have been reported among the older population which have resulted in 900,000 hospital admissions and 30,000 fatality cases. Helping older adults with their daily medications will enable them to achieve improved health outcomes.
Understanding Residents’ Medications
Registered nurses and trained nursing assistants will be assisting residents with their medications. They will learn about the individual medications to understand the potential side effects that each one can cause. This enables them to better manage the different symptoms experienced by residents and to communicate any adverse effects to a medical practitioner for advice if necessary.
Educate and Empower Residents
It is the job of the nursing team to educate residents on the different types of medications they are taking. They will talk to them about the risks involved and encourage them to seek professional advice if necessary. This is especially important for residents who are prescribed medications by more than one physician. Mixing up prescriptions may have side effects that can potentially do their health more harm than good.
Utilizing Tech Advancements
With the aid of technological advancements, the nursing team can better manage residents’ medications. They can keep a record of each resident’s prescription schedule to administer each medication in the correct dosage and at the right time. Proper records will enable the nursing team to manage residents’ medications in an organized way to avoid mistakes and errors that could be deadly.
Highly-Trained Team Members
All team members who are involved in the medication management program need to undergo extensive training to ensure they remain up-to-date with the latest changes in the medical sector as well as on the different certifications. They track the list of current medications taken by the residents and the specific residents who need extra attention. These procedures will enable them to come up with proper strategies in case of an emergency event.
Medication Management in Senior Care Centers
If you or an older loved one requires daily medications, it is important to receive the assistance you need for proper administration. Taking your medications in the right dosages and at the correct timing will prevent adverse reactions that can further implicate your health.
