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Written by Christine Lever
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Tuesday, 21 November 2006 |
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Is the senior in your life becoming confused or becoming forgetful? Before you jump to any conclusions, check their medicine cabinet. Many seniors are taking more than 3 different medications every day. The risk of over-medication, especially for the elderly, is high. As we age, our bodies find it more difficult to process medication. We may need to monitor medications more closely to see if the dosage needs to be adjusted to do the job effectively.
When you’re looking at the pills that the senior in your life is taking don’t forget to also look at such things as over-the-counter medications (antacids, laxatives and pain killers, to name a few), vitamins and mineral supplements. You’ll need to note not only the dosages but also when the senior takes the medications, vitamins and/or supplements. Do they take them all together, with meals, with water, pop, tea or coffee? Once you’ve got all this information assembled, speak with the senior’s doctor. The doctor may be unaware of the amount of medications that the senior is taking. It’s important for your loved one not to stop taking any medication until you’ve spoken with a medical professional.
Another possible cause for confusion in seniors that can be rectified quite easily is dehydration. Often someone on their own doesn’t drink enough fluids or they drink only pop or fluids that are not doing the job of keeping them hydrated. Check to see what is happening with your loved one. If in doubt, contact the senior’s doctor.
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