What comes to mind when you think
of strategies to reduce fall risks in senior care services? Increasing the
number of lights in the home? Removing clutter and other tripping hazards?
Keeping the floors clean and dry? These are all important components to
preventing falls in the home, but there’s another common culprit to keep in
mind: reactions to medications.
Many older adults are taking
multiple medications, often prescribed by different doctors. That’s why an
essential first step is requesting an extensive overview of all medications
being taken. The doctor can provide information on which medications or combinations
of medications create a higher risk for falls in Albuquerque senior care services. They may
also be able to suggest alternative treatment plans that reduce, if not
eliminate, medications to prevent dangerous falls.
Which Medications Are Associated with Increased Fall Risk?
There are specific
medications that are known to raise the risk of a fall for older adults, by
affecting:
·
Blood sugar. Medications to regulate
blood sugar levels for those with diabetes can sometimes cause hypoglycemia
(low blood sugar), which can result in dizziness and a heightened risk for
falls.
·
Cognitive function. Medications such as
sleep aids, muscle relaxers, antihistamines, and those that help with vertigo
or motion sickness can increase drowsiness or cause sedation. They can also
cause or worsen confusion, particularly for people who have Alzheimer’s or another
type of dementia.
·
Blood pressure levels. Medications for
men with an enlarged prostate and those prescribed for elevated blood pressure
can cause an abrupt drop in blood pressure. This is especially common for a
person taking one of these medications upon standing, an issue called postural
hypotension.
What Should You Do if a Loved One Is Taking One or More of
These Meds?
To begin, make a list of all the
medications the person is taking. This should include any supplements,
prescription drugs, and OTC medications. Make note of how frequently the
individual takes each medication, the dosage, and any other notes and comments.
With the list in hand, set up a consultation with the person’s doctor.
The aim is to better understand
which medications are increasing fall risk on their own, in addition to whether
any combination of meds might lead to any negative side effects. Ask for
answers to the following questions:
·
What is each medication for? You’ll want
to know precisely why the meds have been recommended for the individual.
Determine if there are any other options to bring about the same outcomes
without an increased risk for falls.
·
Is a lower dose possible? It might be
possible for the doctor to lower the amount of a medication while still getting
the same benefit and reducing troubling side effects and fall risks.
· What are the pros and cons of continuing to
take a medication? Carefully look at the benefits of taking a medication
that increases fall risk, along with the negative ramifications of stopping the
medication.
Falls for older adults can be very dangerous and debilitating. With the doctor’s assistance, you may be able to make a plan to help decrease this risk for someone you love.
Home Care Can Help!
Absolute Companion Care’s
professional care providers can offer fall risk assessments, medication
reminders, transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments, and a
steadying hand to aid in safe showering, transfers, walking, and much more.
Contact us today at 410-701-3611 for more information on how in-home care services Albuquerque can help
enhance safety at home for older loved ones! We serve in the communities of
Timonium, Hunt Valley, Monkton, Towson, Cockeysville, and the surrounding
areas.
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