Recognizing the Signs of Medication Misuse in Seniors

Are you worried that a senior in your life may not be using their medication properly? Is it possible that changes in mood could be because of a misuse of medication? Not sure how to spot or talk about best use of medications with a loved one?

Misuse of medications is something that can happen at any age. But the senior population might be at greater risk if they have difficulty remembering proper use of their medication or have trouble reading the instructions on their prescriptions. Misuse of medication, especially pain killers, can lead to serious issues, so it’s important to be aware of the signs of misuse to help spot a problem and act fast! 

Signs of medication misuse.

• Behavior: clear changes in behavior like mood swings and excessive or unusual angry outbursts. 
• Fatigue: a sudden increase in daytime fatigue or drowsiness is another red flag. Taking the correct dosage of medication shouldn’t leave a person noticeably loopy in the middle day. 
• Falls: a series of falls or trouble with balance can be a sign of misuse. While falls are more likely to occur in the older population, if you notice a sudden change in coordination or several minor falls in recent weeks, medication could be the culprit. 
• Withdrawal: depression or withdrawal from social activities or family may suggest a misuse of medication. Chronic pain could also be to blame for this kind of behavior. Either way, it’s something to address. 
• Refills: if you’re worried about possible misuse of medication, one way to check is by comparing the refill date on the medication and how many doses are left. If the meds are nearly gone and there are still a few weeks before the refill date, something’s not matching up!

Now that you know the signs of medication misuse, you can feel more confident about checking on your loved one and allowing them independent living in Ann Arbor. But remember that many seniors may begin to misuse their medication unintentionally! That means that confronting the problem should be done gently. 

If you have more questions about medication misuse or managing medications, give the experts at Hillside Terrace Senior Living a call today.

4 Easy Ways to Help a Senior Manage Medication

Is managing your medication becoming more important for independent living in Ann Arbor? Are you finding your growing list of medications harder to keep track of? Need a simple solution to help a loved one manage medications in their senior years? 

As we age, many of us find that managing medications is an essential part of our daily routine. Often if a senior person is not able to manage their medications, it could put their life at risk and limit their ability to live independently. Luckily the experts at Hillside Terrace have 4 easy ways to help seniors manage medications. 

1. Organizers: pill organizers are an essential tool for anyone managing multiple medications. You can find an organizer that works with your schedule, or use several simple organizers if medications need to be taken at different times throughout the day. 
2. Everything in its place: over time, supplements and medications may have taken up residence in different places throughout a home. Get everything into one convenient place so refilling organizers is fast and easy. 
3. Use the phone: if the senior has and uses a smartphone, you can easily set up an app to help them remember to take theirmeds. For someone who is less technically inclined, you can help manage meds by making a phone call or two throughout the day. 
4. Make a list: write out simple instructions in large print to put up in the same place where medications are stored. Make the list more usable by using a color-coding system with colored dots on the meds and the list! Keep extra copies of the list for family and doctor visits. 

You or your loved one don’t have to feel overwhelmed by an expanding list of medications anymore! Simply by practicing one or two of these items, you’ll find managing medications is much easier and independent living in Ann Arbor is achievable! If you still have questions about managing your medications, give the experts at Hillside Terrace Senior Living a call today.