Emergencies, such as natural disasters, unexpected travel, or pharmacy delays, can disrupt access to vital medications, putting older adults at risk. But did you know you can build a backup medication supply of essential medicines without extra cost? By working with doctors, pharmacies, and insurance, caregivers can create a safety net to ensure medications are always available when needed. Here’s how to…
When medication routines become complex or “non-standard,” it’s easy for mistakes or missed doses to happen. While caring for a family member, Paul Rothstein created a pill board system to make it easier to manage their medications. It worked so well that he wanted to share his solution with other caregivers. Here, Paul explains how to create your own DIY pill board…
Many common medications that are safe for younger adults can pose serious risks for seniors. As we age, changes in metabolism, organ function, and body composition mean some drugs may do more harm than good. This article reveals 10 medications seniors should avoid or use with extreme caution, including popular over-the-counter remedies and frequently prescribed drugs. Understanding these potential dangers can help…
Medicare doesn’t always cover all drugs Most older adults get prescription drug coverage through a Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan. Each plan has a list of drugs that the plan will pay for, called a formulary. A big problem is that these formularies don’t cover everything and change constantly. A new medication your older adult’s doctor prescribes might…
As we carefully manage our aging loved ones’ health, it’s easy to assume that more medications mean better care. But the shocking truth is that seniors are especially vulnerable to dangerous drug interactions and overmedication, where the very pills meant to help can silently cause decline, confusion, and serious harm. Navigating a long list of prescriptions doesn’t have to feel like a…
Medications have the potential to harm senior health For most older adults, taking medication is essential for managing serious health conditions and improving quality of life. But it’s important to be aware that medications can also cause harm, especially for seniors. Are you confident that all the medications your older adult is taking are necessary for maintaining or improving their health? Do…
Choosing a safe cold medicine for seniors could avoid unnecessary complications. Daily Caring offers expert-backed tips on how to choose!
Seniors spend a lot on prescription drugs More than half of adults age 65 and older report taking four or more prescription drugs. This often puts significant financial pressure on seniors because the cost of prescription drugs have been increasing steadily over the years, In fact, in 2020, prices increased faster than inflation for half of all drugs covered by Medicare. If…
Seniors are at greater risk for harmful drug interactions Medications, food, vitamins, and supplements all have the potential to interact with each other. These drug interactions can cause negative side effects, unexpected symptoms, reduced medication effectiveness, or serious harm to health. And studies show that 87% of American seniors take one prescription drug, 36% take 5 or more, and 38% use over-the-counter…
We share 10 practical tips to simplify the process of medication management for seniors, from organizing pillboxes to working effectively with healthcare providers.
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