May 20, 2010

Carol Carbutti, Owner Of Comfort Keepers In Wallingford, CT Would Like To Share Some Important Questions That Should Be Asked When A Doctor Prescribes A New Medication For Your At Home Senior Parents

By Carol Carbutti

Healthy aging parents are fortunate for the advances in western medicine. It seems like there is a medication for every possible ailment threatening our senior citizens. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can treat diseases, minimize symptoms, and contribute to a longer, healthier life.

However, medication cannot be “taken lightly”, and is a more complicated issue than just swallowing pills. Family caregivers and private personal companions need to make sure the medication is being used the correct way.  Family members and in home caregivers need to play an active part in the decision making about treatment.  By following the doctor’s prescription plan your elderly parents will be able to avoid many of the side effects and complications that can happen from using a medication in the wrong way.

Everyone involved should take an active stance in a retirees’ medical treatment. Ask questions of the doctor and express everyone’s concerns. Jot down notes to bring to the doctor’s office so everyone can formulate all the questions ahead of time. Don’t worry about being a nuisance. Encourage mom and dad to be open and honest about their concerns and problems. Ask these key questions when your doctor suggests a new medication:

  1. What are the benefits and risks of this medication?
  2. How often will the effects of the medication be checked by caregivers or their doctor? Meaning, how often do we follow-up to see if the meds are having the desired effect?
  3. Will this new medication have any adverse interaction with the current meds they are taking?
  4. Tell the doctor what preferences your elderly parents have in terms of medicines. Do they prefer a prescription with a low dose? Are there any newer medications with Lower side-effects? Do they make a version of this medication that is easy to swallow?
  5. It is very important for all involved to remind the doctor about any allergies mom or dad may have or any negative experiences they may have had with past medicines.
  6. Prepare a list of all the other medications prescribed by other doctors to make sure all meds are compatible.

Always remember efficiency is key.  When prescribed a new medicine ask questions of their doctor or pharmacist. 

  1. What’s the name of the medication and what’s its purpose? 
  2. How often and at what time of day do they take the medicine?
  3. How much, and for how long?  Are there any foods, beverages, other medicines, or activities that you need to avoid while on the medication? 
  4. What are the possible side-effects, and what should you do if they happen? 
  5. Will they get refills, if so, how often? 
  6. What happens if you miss a dose? 
  7. Is there a brochure or pamphlet you can take with you?

When using a new medication, keep the doctor informed on how it’s working, how your senior parent is feeling, any problems they having, and whether any new medicines have been added by another doctor. Ask your doctor for the results of all medical tests evaluating your progress on the drug.

Comfort Keepers of Wallingford, CT like to reiterate how important it is to make sure your family and your senior parents keep an open line of communication with the doctor.  It is always beneficial to give and receive feedback.

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