Falls are incredibly dangerous for older adults. It’s vital that you understand all of what can contribute to your senior’s risk of falling so you can help her to avoid injuring herself. One risk factor you might have overlooked could be the medications your elderly family member takes for her health conditions.
Side Effects Matter
If you and your senior aren’t in the habit of reading up on the side effects of her medications, now is the time to change that habit. All medications, even over-the-counter ones, have side effects. Sometimes those side effects aren’t obvious at all, but other side effects are extremely obvious and occasionally upsetting. Your elderly family member might experience dizziness or drowsiness, for instance, and that definitely increases her fall risk.
Side Effects Can Change Over Time
But it’s important to note that side effects are not a static situation. They can become more serious for your senior the longer that she takes the medication. If the formulation of the medication changes, that can cause new or increased side effects, too. It’s always important to mention any changes you or your senior see to her doctor as soon as possible.
Even One New Medication or Dose Can Make a Big Difference
There might be times that your senior’s doctor adjusts the dosage of her medication or switches her prescriptions. There might be a good reason for this, but it’s important to remember that side effects may suddenly be markedly different than they were. That’s because even a small change to you can present a big chemical change within your senior’s body.
Talk to Her Doctor about a Medication Review
Make it a habit to talk to your senior’s doctor at least a couple of times a year about her medications. Reviewing the medications she is currently taking and how well they’re working for her is an important part of making sure she’s taking the right ones. But it’s equally important to mention side effects and whether you’re noticing any changes in your senior’s behaviors or abilities.
Having elderly care providers there with your senior when you can’t be there can help both of you to feel a little more secure, especially with new medications. They can offer a little bit of extra support and ensure that your elderly family member isn’t pushing herself too hard before she adjusts to the side effects of her medications.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering elderly care in Englewood, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare today. Call us at (303) 756-9322.
