Importance of Proper Medication Management for seniors

For aging adults, managing medication is one of the most complex tasks. There are more than 4 billion prescriptions filled at pharmacies in the US excluding over the counter drugs.

With such high volume of medicines, a greater need for medication management arises. This is especially important for those who have to take a larger number of medications to address chronic illnesses, which seems to be more prevalent among seniors. To understand why medication management is vital for seniors, check out the list below:

• The More Prescriptions Required, The More Difficult They Are To Keep Track Of: With the high volume of prescription medicines and over the counter medicines used, the likelihood of potential mistakes increases. It’s important to take the appropriate medicines on a routine and timely basis.
• A Big Percentage Of Seniors Are Taking Multiple Prescription Drugs: As per the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, seniors that fall between the age group of 65-69 years old take 14 prescriptions every year on an average. Whereas individuals that are aged 80-84 take an average of 18 prescriptions every year.
• Improper Medication Management Leads To Hospitalizations And Adverse Reactions: Non-compliance and poor drug reactions are liable for 28% of elderly hospitalizations while 36% of all reported adverse drug reactions involve a senior individual. The risk of not following the appropriate medication routine after chronic pain or surgery can lead to serious complications, rehospitalization and a greater physical and financial cost.
• Schedule Frequent Doctor Assessments: Needs for health care change frequently and it’s possible that your symptoms have changed and you no longer require taking a certain medication. It is possible that the prescribed medicine may not work for you and you will have to find an alternate solution. As one ages, it becomes important to visit your doctor frequently to address any issues you may be facing.
• Seniors Must Watch For Side Effects: When you start to take a new medication or make some changes in the medicine regimen, pay attention to the signs of loss of sleep, feeling of weakness, upset stomach, pain, signs of doziness. Consult your medical professional quickly if you feel ill and make sure you inform them of the medications you are taking.

We hope this article has opened your eyes to the importance of medication management. Try a virtual tour of your nearest assisted living facility in Detroit. Assisted living can help you find the ideal medication regimen to allow you to live stress-free.

  

A Guide to Valentine’s Crafts for Seniors in Assisted Living

Do you like crafting? If so, then do not hesitate to try your hands at it this Valentine’s Day. You'll enjoy taking some time out for making crafts and expect some great results.

For seniors in assisted living communities, crafts and activities make a perfect choice for rejoicing the happy moments with loved ones. Simple and fun activities like this can be enjoyed in a small group setting. Take a look below at the special things you can undertake on Valentine’s Day to make your seniors feel special:

Decorate the Halls:

It’s time to get together your seniors, serve some V-day cookies and let the crafting commence. You might just see some magnificent results in the form of a festive facility.  It will also give the participants a sense of accomplishment and pride each time they cross by the beautiful decor. Some more ideas include sweetheart bouquets, paper heart garlands and door wreath designed from tissue paper and cardboard.

Lacy Votive Holder:

Bring out some extra shine and colors to your room with lacy votive holders that add a lot of ambiance to the candles. With the LED version it can add an aura of class to any space you place them in.

Gifts for Senior’s Loved Ones:

There might be a situation where seniors could be on a limited budget and unable to shop for gift items. You can give them a small token of love for their loved ones this Valentine’s Day. For instance: V-Day bookmark personalizing it with tiny pieces of ribbon and fabric, a collection of leftover buttons to create a button heart. With a bit of preparation, seniors can easily make a precious gift for their loved ones.

Mosaic Saucepan Rest:

Mosaic activities are calming and innovative to perform too. Mosaics can be utilized as a spoon rest and saucepan or a teapot rest. They can actually make any surface look stupendous and makes a great activity for seniors. This is something many men will find enjoyable too.

Wine Cork Boards:

These can be used for messages, grocery lists, business cards and photos. They make a superb activity for seniors in assisted living centers and look beautiful in the bedroom or even the kitchen. Plus, it is going to last for many years to come.

Rock on Rock Craft:

Fun craft activities for seniors make for plenty of fun and engagement. In rock on rock craft, there is no right or wrong way to place the stones because each piece is attractive and looks unique too. Thus, encourage your seniors to discover their inner talents. In fact, these stone creations make awesome gift mementos as well.

These craft ideas will surely help you gifting your loved ones something out of the box. Indeed, creativity never goes to waste if done with soul and heart. What do you think? Let us know…

How To Downsize an Aging Parent’s Home?

Moving is an emotional life event, whether it’s cross town or cross country, whether to a small apartment or a large home, dealing with the organization, packing, discarding, cleaning, paperwork and the other tasks poses a big challenge. For your elders, who are moving to assisted living home, downsizing their years old “treasure” is overwhelming-even paralyzing. They want to go with everything, whether it’s a watch of their 30's or the book their father presented. The treasure of their memories may feel to you nothing but a junk, but you must respect and help your elders in downsizing their possessions. Leaving behind family possessions is quite painful as they are pretty much attached to it. It feel like they are leaving their wonderful memories behind which evoke their nostalgia.

But still you must not be taken away by seeing such a strong bond of your elders. Instead, you must convince them and make downsizing less stressful for them.

Tips To Downsize an Aging Parent’s Home?

 

Talk to Your Elders about That:

We know that it is quite stressful for you to talk over downsizing. But this is essential to break the ice over that. Tell them that this chair is worn out and will eat up more space or there is no use of leather bag. Suggest them to donate these things in charity, may be they would give their node over donating the things for a cause.

Encourage Your Elders to Use the Things That Can Be Used:

What seems old and useless to you may be a source of great comfort and joy and therefore worth moving. Pack those things that can be used by your elders at living home. Make sure to tell them that you pack only necessary things. They may be insisting to bring “junk” with them, but you must explain that the thing is worn out.

Seek The Professional Help:

If you have sour relationship with parents regarding downsizing, or they are still adamant that they don’t give up their “treasure”, it’s a time to call a professional to sort out the matter. You can call National Association of Senior Move Managers. Your stubborn parent would cooperate better with someone out of your family. Even a professional can handle the downsizing task better in your absence but they are expected to remain gentle with your parent.

Sell The Stuff:

If your elders agree to give up the treasure, what will you do with that after they move to the assisted living home? Instead of approaching junk dealer, you can sell it on eBay or Craig-list as you can earn good money on selling antiques like old watch, pen and coins. After selling those items, you can purchase a beautiful gift for your elder to soothe their “separation” pain.

So, these are the tips to downsize the possessions of your beloved elders.

Remember, the stress of giving up their belongings will go away after some time. Don’t worry about that. Give them your care and love which is more important than anything else to them.