8 Ways to Prevent Medication Mistakes by Being Proactive with Your Parents’ Care!

Do your parents take multiple prescription drugs?

Are your parents able to remember when to take their medications?

Are your parents forgetful?

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), “Nearly one-third of adults take five or more different medications. Given the volume of medications being taken, medication-related injuries may seem inevitable; however, injuries due to errors in medication prescribing, dispensing and administration are preventable.”

Taking medications properly is important to the health and well-being of your parent. If prescription drugs are not taken as prescribed by your parents’ doctors, they could suffer from complications.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services advises that the best way you can help to prevent errors is to be an active member of your parents’ health care team by doing the following:

1.    Making sure that your parents’ doctors know about every medicine they’re taking.
2.    Bringing all of their medicine and supplements to their doctor appointments.
3.    Asking for more information on your parents’ medicines in terms you can understand.
4.    Making sure their doctor is aware of their allergies.
5.    If you have questions about the directions on your parents’ medicines labels, ask!
6.    Asking for written information about the side effects your parents’ medicine could cause.
7.    Speaking up if you have questions or concerns about your parents’ care.
8.    When they’re discharged from the hospital after a surgery, ask their doctor to explain their treatment plan you should follow at home.

Senior Care Centers in Ann Arbor: Make Hillside Terrace Your Parents’ Home Away From Home!

Nestled in the heart of the Old West Side on 10 acres of orchard and gardens, Hillside Terrace offers a diverse combination of residents that will quickly become members of your loved one’s family. 

Our "Aging by Choice" philosophy allows a flexibility of options for our residents and their families; you choose what is best for you, and we make it possible. We’re confident in our ability to provide the best quality of care, the security, and the family atmosphere that you’re seeking! We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace today – a senior care center in Ann Arbor.

9 Ways to Introduce Assisted Living to Your Parents

Are your parents independent?

Are you worried about your parents getting older?

Are you dreading the discussion of assisted living with your parents?

According to a study conducted by Genworth Financial, “nearly 7 out of 10 Americans over age 65 will need long-term care, more than half of all respondents (55%) reported that their greatest fear regarding a long-term care illness or event was being a burden on their family. In fact, they reported being five times more concerned about being a burden than dying.”

Does your loved one still refuse proper care? Discussing moving your parent into a senior care center in Ann Arbor can be a scary thing for any adult to face. However, it’s the scary reality of so many in this country.

Care.com suggests nine strategies to help you overcome your parents’ objections of moving into a senior care center:

1. Start early: Be open to the discussion of assisted living and caregiving later on in life.
2. Be patient: Ask open-ended questions and give your loved one time to answer.
3. Probe deeply: Ask questions to determine why your parent refuses help –then you can tailor a solution.
4. Offer options: Let your parent choose certain days of the week or times of day to have a home health aide come. Emphasize that an aide will be his or her companion for walks, concerts, museum visits and other favorite activities.
5. Recruit outsiders early: Don’t hesitate to ask your parent’s social worker, doctor, nurse, priest or minister to suggest to your parent that they need help.
6. Prioritize problems: Writing them down and numbering by priority can relive a lot of stress.
7. Use indirect approaches: Don’t explain every aspect of care the aide will provide before the relationship has been formed. This may make your loved one feel less threatened.
8. Take it slow: Weave a new aide in gradually.
9. Accept your limits: As long as seniors are not endangering themselves or others, let your parents’ make their own choices.

Best Senior Care Center in Ann Arbor: Schedule a Tour Today!

We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home, you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Hillside Terrace – “Where our family shares life with your family!”