Medication Management
Medication Management Articles for Caregivers
Alcohol and Medicines
Many medicines—prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal remedies—can be dangerous or even deadly when mixed with alcohol. Many older people take medications every day, making this a special worry.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Did you know that prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved to be abused or illegally sold, or that drugs flushed down toilets contaminate the water supply?
Avoiding Drug Interactions
According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, more than 34 percent of seniors take medications prescribed by more than one physician and 72 percent take medications that were prescribed more than six months ago.
Keeping Track of Medications Safely
The over 65 population in America purchases and consumes more medications than any other age group. According to the Food and Drug Administration, they purchase more than 30 percent of all prescription medication ...
Ten Tips For Ensuring Medication Safety
People over the age of 65 represent 14% of the US population but consume more than one-third of prescription medications. The average senior citizen uses more than five different medications each day.
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An Epidemic of Prescription Drug Abuse in the Elderly
We would never expect to hear that our parents and even our grandparents might be abusing drugs. But according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the fastest growing population of prescription drug abusers is the elderly.
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Prescription Medication Safety: The Caregiver's Role
Over two million Americans experience adverse drug reactions from prescription medication each year. Patients develop complications from these medications when health care professionals ignore precautionary measures and lack communication skills.
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Tips for Swallowing Pills
Swallowing pills — medicine, vitamins or supplements—is the most commonly-reported problem for people living with dysphagia.
Seniors and Medications
Caregivers are often the first line of defense in protecting the elderly and infirm – especially when it comes to making sure medications are obtained and taken properly.
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Drug Dispensing and the Caregiver
One of the common issues that caregivers have to deal with on a daily basis is the need to dispense their care recipient’s medication in a safe and timely fashion.
Medication Management in Disaster Planning
When considering a home or family disaster plan, it is easy to overlook medications and the special needs of family members. Instead of waiting for an event to occur, think ahead.
A Caregiver’s Gift
My husband Marty has to take a combination of eight different drugs seven times a day; this is in addition to routine vitamins. Each morning, I set them up in a pillbox so that there is no confusion about the schedule.
Choosing a Medication Reminder System
Not taking prescribed medication – noncompliance – can have serious health consequences. The reasons why people forget or don’t take medications are varied.
Developing an Organized Medication System at Home
There are many options on the market for organization system. Deciding which one is right for your family needs to be the driving force behind the system that you ultimately choose.
Keeping Safe at Home with Chemotherapy
As more and more chemotherapy is given in outpatient clinics and at home, it is extremely important that caregivers and patients understand the risks and hazards that household members may be exposed to.
Dr. Harry Tripp Wingate, MD
Interview with Dr. Harry Wingate, MD, FACEP
Dr. Harry Tripp Wingate, MD is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians, past Chair of the American College of Emergency Physicians Rural Emergency Medical Section, and medical entrepreneur.
