Often seniors take multiple medications daily that in some cases have been prescribed by a couple of different doctors for different conditions. In addition they may also be taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications. All of this can lead to problems with drug interactions and side effects that range from mild to severe including death.
In a report by the US News & World Report, it cites statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that suggest each year there are four visits to the ER per 1,000 adults attributed to adverse drug effects. First published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, statistics find that almost 60 percent of Americans take at “least one prescription drug, and nearly 20 percent are taking more than five prescriptions medicines.” The study also looked at OTC medications and warns that there is a huge potential for “side effects, drug-drug interactions and negative outcomes.” It also states that for the elderly, the possibility of dangerous drug interactions is even greater. One of the most important things that a patient or family member can do to reduce the likelihood of this happening is to communicate with all of your health care providers about the prescription and OTC medications that you take. It is a good idea, especially if you take more than one medication, to write down the names of the drugs and the amount you take each day and carry it in your wallet. You can also take a picture of the list of medications with your cell phone so you always have it handy. Another tip is to fill your prescriptions at the same drug store and to build a relationship with the pharmacist as he or she can help to spot potential problems involving drug interactions. Annually review the need for each medication with your health care provider and discuss how long you will need to take the drug. Lastly be sure to check each new prescription container for accuracy as pharmacies sometimes do make mistakes. At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Littleton we are dedicated to providing the best senior living Littleton CO has to offer. We can provide residents medication management by certified Med Care Managers along with numerous other care services such as pharmacy services, scheduled health & wellness evaluations, diabetic management, oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care and many more. Please visit our website to learn more about all of our amenities and services. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Littleton, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living Littleton CO offers. Source:health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2017-01-13/the-dangers-of-medication-mix-ups-at-home
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According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Commucation Disorders (NIDCD) about one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those 75 and older have difficultly hearing. This can make it hard for seniors to “understand and follow a doctor's advice, to respond to warnings, and to hear doorbells and alarms.” Difficultly hearing also makes it hard for many elderly people to follow and engage in conversation with their family and friends.
Known as presbycusis, hearing loss in seniors generally occurs gradually and initially affects the ability to hear higher pitched sounds. The person may notice that while the speech is loud enough, it sounds as if the talker is mumbling. The condition is commonly caused by the loss of nerve hair cells in the Cochlea or the deterioration of other parts of the inner ear or auditory nerves. Age-related hearing loss typically affect both ears equally. In some cases, health conditions more common among the elderly such as high blood pressure and diabetes can additionally affect hearing. Furthermore, certain medications including some types of chemotherapy drugs can cause hearing loss. The NIDCD has a checklist to help seniors determine if they are experiencing hearing problems. Questions include: Do you feel frustrated when talking to members of your family because you have difficulty hearing them?; Do you have difficulty hearing when someone speaks in a whisper?; and Do you feel restricted or limited by a hearing problem? Another cause of hearing loss can be the result of long-term exposure to loud noise and is one of the most common occupational hazards. The exposure damages the sensory hair cells in the ears, which do not grow back. It is estimated that 10 million Americans have irreversible hearing loss due to long-term exposure to noise. Seniors should discuss any hearing problems with their health care provider who will refer them to an otolaryngologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, throat, and neck. The otolarynogogist will test your hearing, and if a problem is found, will refer you on to an audiologist who will determine the type and degree of hearing loss. Either they or a hearing aid specialist will fit you for a hearing aid. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar at Jordan Creek proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Des Moines and the surrounding area offers. Searching for one of the best assisted living facilities Colorado Springs has to offer? We invite you to take a look at MorningStar at Mountain Shadows.
After visiting our website or once you take a tour of our community, you most certainly will understand why MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is the type of assisted living and memory care you want for you or your loved one. Along with a whole array of amenities and services and a compassionate, loving team that is honored to serve seniors, we also offer well-designed suites to please a variety of tastes and preferences. We have 45 assisted living suites that offer a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floor plans. In our Reflections Neighborhood we have 19 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s Disease and other types of dementia. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ stylish suites are designed for our residents’ utmost comfort and safety and include lots of llighting, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds. Each unit is equipped with full, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, emergency call systems and separate heating and air conditioning controls. In addition your monthly fee will include basic cable TV and utilities as well as daily spot cleaning and trash removal. We also offer weekly housekeeping, and laundry and linen services, and additionally have laundry facilities available to residents. So all you need to do is bring your furnishings and personal items to your new home and we will provide the rest including three daily tasty and nutritional meals, a 24/7 care staff, full-time licensed nurse, scheduled transportation and much more. And in case you wondered, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is pet friendly. When you visit our website, please use our convenient form to learn more about pricing and availability as well as to set up a tour of our gorgeous community. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Call to schedule a visit to one of the finest assisted living facilities Colorado Springs offers. At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, we understand that families are often confused by the term “assisted living” and just what type of services it includes. If you take a look at our website, you will get a good idea of what we can provide for you or your loved one.
To start with, our senior living community offers 56 assisted living suites that range in a variety of floor plans from spacious studios to one- and two-bedroom units. Each suite has wall-to-wall carpeting, mini blinds, high ceilings and lots of overhead lighting. And yes, MorningStar at Jordan Creek is pet friendly. In terms of services provided for our assisted living residents, we do just about whatever it takes to ensure the comfort and safety of each individual. Before you move in, our Wellness Director will sit down and talk with you and your family to learn more about your medical history and discuss the types of services you will require. From there, we create a care plan with your approval, which is periodically reviewed and updated if needed. MorningStar offers five levels of care (each with an attending monthly fee) and you will be placed within one of those levels. However regardless of the level of care, you will have around-the-clock Care Managers on site to meet your every need. Some of the services available to you include a licensed nurse on call 24/7; a CPR-trained team member on every shift, certified Med Care Managers, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, diabetic management, transportation to medical appointments and pharmacy services. We also offer palliative and hospice care when required. Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar at Jordan Creek and to read the entire list of Wellness Services available. We are committed to providing the finest assisted living Des Moines and the surrounding area has to offer and we look forward to meeting you and your family. MorningStar at Jordan Creek proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Des Moines and West Des Moines offers. |
Offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, MorningStar is committed to giving residents a quality of life surpassing that of other senior living communities. To experience firsthand the finest in senior living, contact us to schedule a tour. Archives
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