What You Should Know About Your Parent’s Prescription Before Leaving the Hospital
Most elderly adults take at least one prescription medication on a regular basis. Many take more than one. It is very common for an elderly adult who has visited the hospital, whether it is for the purpose of managing a chronic health condition, because of an injury, or to deal with an acute illness, to receive a prescription. When this happens it is extremely important that your parent know everything that they can about it so that they are able to take it properly and get the most benefit from it. If you know all that you can, you can give your parent valuable reminders and help them to stay compliant throughout the course of their prescription.
Senior Care in Loudoun County VA: Senior Prescription Safety
Some things that you should know about your parent’s prescription
before leaving the hospital include:
-What is the name of the prescription and does it go by any other names?
-What exactly is the medication and why did the doctor prescribe that medication?
-What is the goal of the medication? How is it supposed to work and will it do for your parent?
-How is the medication taken? Should it be on an empty stomach or with food?
-How much is the dose?
-How frequently should your parent take the medication?
-What should your parent do if they miss their dose?
-What side effects could the medication cause? Are there any that are considered severe enough to warrant a call to the doctor or a return to the hospital?
-How can you help your parent manage any side effects that they do experience?
-Is this medication safe to take with other medications that your parent takes?
-Is this medication safe to take considering other health issues that they are facing?
Being a family caregiver for an aging adult can be extremely challenging and stressful. This can be especially true if you are a member of the sandwich generation caring for both your children and your parents, if you live at a distance from your parent and are not able to be with them as frequently as you would like to be, or you have your own challenges in limitations that keep you from giving them the care that they need on a consistent basis. if you are dealing with these challenges, now may be the ideal time for you to start home care for your parents.
A care provider can step in to provide care when you are not able to, handle specific care tasks that you are uncomfortable with or not able to handle effectively, give your parent more companionship, or simply to encourage a more active and fulfilling life as they age in place. This is not only extremely beneficial for your parent, but can ease your stress and help you to devote your time, energy, effort, and resources in the best way possible.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering senior care in Loudoun County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care.
Call Us Today at (703) 634-9991.
Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities.
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