Assisted living rehabilitation services are important in helping older adults manage their health and stay independent. Assisted living rehabilitation services can help patients with medication management, mobility issues, and other medical conditions that affect their daily lives. However, sometimes medications are prescribed to patients who don’t need them or are on too many drugs at once. This can lead to adverse side effects such as confusion, memory problems, or even dependency on certain drugs. To avoid these problems, retirement communities must identify unnecessary medications and de-prescribe them for patient safety.
Unnecessary Medication Increases The Risk Of Adverse Side Effects
According to the FDA, side effects are not always immediate. Most of them occur during long-term use and can be permanent. The longer you’re on a drug, the more likely you’ll experience side effects because your body becomes accustomed to and dependent on it over time. This may result in symptoms like nausea, headache, or fatigue if you suddenly stop taking your medication without consulting a healthcare professional first.
Also, remember that adverse reactions are common with some medications even when prescribed properly; this means that some people may have an allergic reaction or experience an unusual reaction just by using one of their prescriptions as directed by their doctor or pharmacist.
Unnecessary Medication Hinders The Effectiveness Of More Critical Medicine
In addition to being unnecessary, some medications prescribed for assisted living residents may interfere with the effectiveness of other medications. Many medications have side effects that can counteract the intended effects of another medication. This is true when multiple drugs are used at once or within proximity to each other. For example, antihistamines can cause increased drowsiness and dizziness, which could make driving unsafe for an assisted living resident on blood pressure meds (both drugs lower heart rate). Some common pain relievers like acetaminophen deplete vitamins B6 and B12 in the body—vitamins essential for healthy nerve function. Unnecessary medication can also complicate dosages and schedules—making it more difficult to figure out what to take at any given time while adding confusion, memory problems, and dependency on more than one drug at once.
Unnecessary Medication Can Cause Confusion And Memory Problems
Medications can cause confusion and memory problems in older adults, especially when they take multiple medicines. Some medications can also cause confusion, memory loss, or even hallucinations. These side effects are common among residents on more than ten different medicines simultaneously. The best way to tell if a medication is causing these issues for your loved one is to pay attention to their behavior. If you notice them having trouble holding conversations or experiencing sudden mood swings that seem out of character, then it’s time to talk with their doctor about deprescribing some of their prescriptions!
Unnecessary Medication Results In Higher Treatment Costs For Both Patient And the Provider
As a patient, you should be aware that the cost of your medication is one part of your treatment cost. The provider you’re receiving care from also pays for the medication and other costs associated with treating you. There are many reasons why this is important.
One reason is that providers have to pay staff to work with patients on medications that aren’t necessary or may even cause harm. Another reason is that providers often have to spend time educating patients about how their medications work and why they are taking them to understand and comply with them so they don’t experience any side effects or drug interactions.
In conclusion, assisted living rehabilitation services need to identify unnecessary medications and de-prescribe them for patient safety. This will reduce treatment costs and increase the effectiveness of more critical medicine.
