Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk: Medication management

People over the age of 65 represent 14 percent of the U.S. population but consume more than one-third of prescription medications. The average senior citizen uses more than five different medications each day. This does not count nonprescription, over-the-counter drugs. As many as 90 percent of seniors also use herbal remedies and vitamins. While there is risk associated with each type of medication — including side effects, allergic reactions or interactions with food, alcohol or other drugs — the risk is magnified with seniors as they are typically more sensitive to these effects.

The following suggestions may help to ensure safe and effective use of medications

• Be familiar with the dosage instructions — including whether a drug should be taken with food, with milk or other fluids or on an empty stomach.

• Familiarize yourself with circumstances under which the medicine should not be taken — including a history of allergic reactions, existing conditions, etc.

Understand the storage instructions and follow them. Because of moisture and heat, it is sometimes best not to store medicines in the bathroom.

• Be aware that there may be warnings to avoid heat, cold or sun when taking a medication.

• Be aware of instructions about avoiding particular foods such as grapefruit juice and/or alcohol. Some foods and beverages may be off-limits when taking certain medications.

• Understand what possible side effects may occur and watch for them. Be particularly mindful of reactions or symptoms that should be reported to a doctor immediately.

• Be certain to learn whether there are specific over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements that should be used with caution or avoided when taken with prescription drugs.

• Familiarize yourself with what to do in the event of a missed dose. There are instances where simply taking the medication at the next opportunity is not recommended. Doubling of the dose to make up for a missed dose could be very dangerous. Such problems are compounded for seniors who are taking several different drugs during the day at different dosing schedules. The best way to avoid these problem is to keep a log.

• Learn how to discontinue the use of a drug. In some instances, stopping the dosage abruptly can have severe consequences, particularly when they are used daily over a long period of time.

While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose their homes, and many of their friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage. This is where the Jewish Pavilion, a 501c3 non-profit, steps in. The Pavilion serves as a resource that provides room visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more to 450 Jewish residents in fifty facilities for seniors. The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion, and thousands of seniors of all faiths are welcomed into our programs. http://www.JewishPavilion.org

The Orlando Senior Help Desk (407-678-9363) helps thousands of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues. http://www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org.