Over-Medication Prevention: Protecting and Assisting Seniors

Senior Medication Management  |  January 10, 2024

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB Needs to Know About Preventing Over-Medication

Over-Medication Prevention | For certain individuals, medication is crucial for maintaining their well-being and cannot be avoided. However, there is evidence to suggest – and experts concur – that excessive amounts of medication are being consumed by millions of people. The greater the number of drugs taken simultaneously, the higher the chances of harmful interactions and potentially severe side effects, because of the combined effect and mixture of drugs.

#DYK – 30 – 40% of people age 65 and over take 5 or more medications regularly. Of that group, about 10 percent of them take 10 or more drugs.

Excessive use of medication and taking multiple prescriptions (referred to as polypharmacy) are prevalent and on the rise among older individuals. As seniors tend to have more long-term health issues that necessitate medication, it is important to note that their aging bodies may respond differently to drugs and may process them at a slower rate, placing a higher emphasis on the potential risks of drug interactions.

Contributing Factors to Senior Over-Medication

The increase in polypharmacy in the past decade is primarily due to the availability of a greater variety of drugs for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. Improved diagnoses have also contributed to the rise in medication usage. Moreover, the marketing of drugs directly to consumers has led to patients requesting and using medications they have seen advertised on television or in magazines.

Insurers, doctors, and pharmacies often fail to coordinate with each other, confusing for patients. The responsibility falls on the patient to manage multiple specialists’ prescriptions, which some seniors may struggle with. Recent statistics reveal that 1 in every 4 patients have prescriptions from at least 4 doctors.

Furthermore, there is a common belief that individuals must use chronic disease medications for extended periods, or even indefinitely. However, those with slightly elevated levels of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar may be able to reduce their medication intake if they make necessary lifestyle changes to manage their conditions – yet not enough attention is given to exploring these possibilities. Additionally, numerous studies indicate that a considerable number of individuals are being prescribed antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, and pain relievers unnecessarily.

Potential Dangers of Senior Over-Medication

While drugs do save lives, few prescription medications are completely free of risks or side effects. A 2012 report by Bruyere, a Canadian health services organization, listed several factors that put seniors at increased risk from polypharmacy:

• Physiologic changes (increased sensitivity to benzodiazepines, analgesics, or antihypertensives)
• Reduced kidney and liver function (making it harder to excrete drugs)
• Reduced body fat (this changes the distribution of drugs)
• Existing conditions (dementia, delirium, poor kidney function, poor balance, and increased likelihood of falls)

The mental faculties and cognition of seniors can be impacted by polypharmacy. This can lead to misdiagnoses of depression, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease in overmedicated seniors.

Recognize the Warning Signs of Senior Over-Medication

Being aware of the signs to look out for can assist in recognizing if your loved one is potentially overmedicated. These indicators may include fatigue, physical issues such as a parched mouth or sores, mental confusion, social withdrawal, visual or auditory illusions, loss of balance or frequent falls, broken bones, and seizures. If any of these red flags appear or if there are abrupt shifts in behaviour, it is important to promptly inform a physician.

How to Cut Down on Senior Prescriptions:

• If your loved one is on multiple medications, including vitamins, herbs, and OTC medicines, it is important to have them reassessed by their primary care doctor at least once a year. To ensure accuracy, remember to bring all pill bottles with you to the appointment.
• Take an active approach when discussing medication with the doctor. Inquire about the necessity of each drug and the reasoning behind it for your loved one. Additionally, seniors can inquire about the possibility of reducing their dosages.
• Consult the doctor about potential lifestyle adjustments that could reduce your loved one’s need for certain medications. Explore alternative therapies like acupuncture, yoga, or meditation as potential options.
• Don’t just rely on the doctor to know details about drug-drug interactions. Do online research. Reliable websites such as The DIR (Drug Information Resources) https://www.dal.ca/diff/druginfo.html and medscape.com list potential interactions and provide explanations.
• If a new medication is added to an existing regimen of two or more drugs, and there are any unfamiliar side effects, it is important to promptly inform the doctor. This is especially crucial if symptoms such as stomach discomfort, nausea, lightheadedness, drowsiness, or impaired coordination arise.
• As time passes, medication may produce a novel side effect or interaction with other drugs due to the buildup of potency. Conversely, some drugs may lose their efficacy over time, potentially causing previously treated symptoms to reappear.
• Stick with one pharmacy and pharmacist and ensure they are informed about all medications, including herbs prescribed by other sources. Pharmacists are often more knowledgeable about potential drug interactions compared to doctors.

Comfort Keepers® in Edmonton Can Help with In-Home Elderly Care!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’ trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. 

Companionship and Interactive Caregiving™

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

What’s more, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. Is Invoicing the Right Option for You?  Read more about the program HERE.

Comfort Keepers Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. Our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services, clearly demonstrating Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton.

References:

• ParentGiving. “Overmedication in the Elderly.” Web. 2016.
• MedShadow. “Are Seniors Being Overmedicated?” by Steven Findlay. Web. 2015. Updated 2016.
• AARP. “The Pharmacist Who Says No to Drugs.” by Bill Hogan. Web. 2011.
• CareConversations. “Overmedication: Warning Signs to Watch For.” Web. 2016.

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