Missing Medications Can Cause Serious Health Problems For Seniors Living Alone

If your parent is living on their own, they may need help keeping track of their medications and remembering when to take them. It’s very important that your parent take all of their prescriptions on time in order to protect their health. But often seniors forget to take medications, mix up the doses, or take them at the wrong times. The average senior takes between 5-7 medications daily, so it’s easy to understand why your parent may get confused when it comes to their medications. Senior home care can help.

If your parent receives senior home care, a care provider can ensure their medications are organized, up to date, and in easy-to-access locations. They can remind your parent when it’s time to take medications. And senior home care aides can fill pill boxes and set alarms so your parent knows when to take medications if they are alone.

 

What Can Happen If Your Parent Makes A Medication Mistake

If your parent stops taking a medication, misses several doses, or takes an incorrect dose, it can have a big impact on their health. Some of the possible problems that can result from your parent making a mistake in taking their medication are:

 

Severe Side Effects From Taking Too Much or Double Dosing

One of the most dangerous medication mistakes is taking too much of a drug or taking the same dose twice. This can happen if a senior forgets they already took their medicine and takes it again.

Too much medication can cause severe side effects such as extreme sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, or trouble breathing. In some cases, an overdose can damage organs like the liver or kidneys and may require emergency medical care.

 

Dizziness and Increased Risk of Falls

Many medications affect balance and blood pressure. Taking the wrong dose or mixing medications incorrectly can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or confusion. Seniors may feel unsteady when standing or walking.

This greatly increases the risk of falls, which are especially dangerous for older adults. A fall can lead to broken bones, head injuries, long hospital stays, and long-term loss of independence.

 

Dangerous Drug Interactions

Seniors often take several medications at the same time. If pills are mixed up or taken at the wrong time, drugs can interact in harmful ways.

Some interactions can cause heart rhythm problems, sudden drops in blood pressure, or breathing difficulties. Others can increase bleeding risk or cause severe stomach issues. These problems may not be noticed right away, making them even more dangerous.

 

Worsening of Existing Health Conditions

Missing doses or taking medication incorrectly can make existing health problems worse. For example, skipping heart or blood pressure medicine can raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Taking diabetes medication incorrectly can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low or rise too high. These changes can happen quickly and may lead to serious complications. Seniors may not always connect worsening symptoms to a medication mistake.

 

Confusion, Delirium, or Mental Changes

Medication errors can strongly affect the brain, especially in older adults. Taking the wrong medication or the wrong dose can cause confusion, memory problems, agitation, or sudden changes in behavior.

Some seniors may appear disoriented, paranoid, or unusually sleepy. These mental changes can be frightening for both the senior and their family and may be mistaken for dementia or other illnesses.

Senior home care can help your parent avoid these dangerous problems by assisting them to know when to take medications and how much of each to take. Senior home care providers don’t give medications, but they can help your parent understand how they are supposed to take their prescribed medications.

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering Senior Home Care in Centerville, VA, please contact the caring staff at Thrive Health Care Services today. (703) 992-0484