Getting a loved one with dementia to take their medication can be a daily struggle, but with patience and the right strategies, it can become easier. Dementia can cause confusion, resistance, or even fear around taking pills, making a simple task feel overwhelming. To help reduce stress for caregivers and their loved ones, we’ve gathered 11 practical and compassionate ways to encourage…
Be aware of common medications that cause falls Falls are a major reason for seniors to lose independence and mobility. More than 1 in 4 older adults falls each year, often causing serious injury. To reduce your older adult’s fall risk, regular medication reviews are essential. That’s because many commonly used drugs are associated with an increase in fall risk. Geriatrician Dr.…
Many seniors take vitamins and supplements without knowing that they can cause negative side effects. BuzzRx explains which supplements cause negative interactions with common medications – including medications for blood pressure or heart issues. Many seniors take supplements, but are they safe? If supplements are part of a loved one’s daily routine, they aren’t alone. According to the CDC, it’s estimated that…
Sponsored by Geriatric Academy Overmedication in the older adult population is a significant healthcare crisis. In fact, overmedication, or polypharmacy in medical terms, is the 5th leading cause of death among older adults in the United States. An older adult taking at least five medications has a 50% chance of having a negative drug reaction and being hospitalized. And the risks increase…
Getting prior authorization for medication can be inconvenient, stressful, and even delay treatment. BuzzRx explains what it is and shares 3 ways to get prescriptions if you can’t wait for prior authorization. Prior authorization for medication can cause unpleasant surprises at the pharmacy Imagine that you’re at the pharmacy to pick up prescription medications, right after a doctor’s visit. Nothing seems out…
When dementia causes agitation, aggression, or other challenging behaviors, antipsychotic medications may seem like the only solution, but these powerful drugs come with serious risks for older adults. Before turning to pharmaceuticals, caregivers should explore safer, more compassionate approaches that address the root causes of distress. From simple environmental tweaks to personalized calming techniques, these six evidence-based strategies can often reduce challenging…
Check to avoid serious issues when adding new medications for seniors Most older adults take multiple medications, so it’s important to make sure that adding any new medicine is done carefully to avoid causing serious health problems. Unfortunately, there are doctors who may not take the time to check that a new medication won’t negatively interact with current meds. If that happens,…
Note: This article hasn’t yet been updated to include the recently FDA-approved medications Aduhelm (aducanumab) and Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb). Alzheimer’s medication options Even though a cure hasn’t been discovered yet, there are six FDA-approved medications for Alzheimer’s that could help with cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that causes a slow, continual decline in memory, thinking, and other…
It can be challenging for seniors to stay on track with their medications, but getting doses wrong or mixing up pills can be harmful to their health. Understandably, managing medication can be stressful for seniors. It’s also nerve-racking for families who can’t be there around-the-clock, but want to ensure that their loved ones stay as healthy as possible. If medication mistakes become…
Seniors and caregivers are in the habit of using insurance benefits to pay for prescription medication. But sometimes, the cash price could actually be cheaper. FamilyWize explains how new laws will allow pharmacists to share the best price option and how asking a few simple questions saves seniors money on prescriptions. Did you know that seniors could save money by paying…
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