Blog

Welcome to the Senior Resource Connect blog. You can visit the blog each Wednesday at 10am for the latest information about aging, caregiving, COVID, and local resources.

Medication Safety 101

towfiqu-barbhuiya-w8p9cQDLX7I-unsplash (1)

How many medications do you take each day? 81% of older adults in America (age 65+) take at least one prescription medication each day. 36% of those on Medicare take five or more prescription medications. Unfortunately, the more medications you take, the greater the chance of medication misuse. As we approach Medication Safety Week (April 1-7), it’s the perfect time to reflect on the vital role medication plays in our lives and how we can all contribute to safer practices. Whether you’re managing medications for yourself, a loved one, or in a professional setting, understanding the importance of accurate dosing, safe storage, and the proper disposal of unused medications is key to protecting health and preventing harm. In this blog, we’ll share valuable tips and best practices for safeguarding your health and the health of others throughout Medication Safety Week and beyond. 

 

Medication Misuse– this is a term that means taking medication in a way other than prescribed. Examples can include: 

  • Sharing medications. 
  • Failing to fill a prescription medication. 
  • Forgetting to take a prescription medication. 
  • Stretching medication to last longer or discontinuing use earlier than directed.  
  • Failure to follow instructions, missing doses, or taking double doses.  
  • Taking medications with alcohol. 
  • Using medication for addictive purposes. 

Medication misuse can be dangerous! Make sure you’re taking all medications as prescribed.  

 

Managing Your Medications 

 

Questions To Ask Your Doctor/Pharmacist 

  • What’s the name of the medication(s) I’ve been prescribed? 
  • Why did you prescribe this drug to me? 
  • What are the drug-free options for managing this issue?  
  • What can I take, or shouldn’t I take with these medications (food, drink, other medicine)? 
  • Are there any side effects I should watch for? What side effects should be reported immediately? 
  • Are there any precautions I should be aware of?  
  • What should I do if I miss a dose?  
  • Will the drug interact with other drugs I’m taking?  
  • Are there alternatives to taking this drug (generics, supplements, etc.)? 
  • Does the pill bottle come with a non-childproof cap or a cap that’s easier to access? 

 

Safely Disposing of Medication 

 

Community Resources  

  • Prescription Assistance 
    • A2Y RxPLUS Card (734) 665-4433 
    • Health Well Foundation (800) 675-8416 
    • Hope Clinic (734) 484-2989  
      • Can assist with discounted services and prescriptions at no cost (must meet eligibility requirements). 
    • Michigan Prescription Drug Discount Card (MIRx) 1-877-681-7540 
    • NeedyMeds (800) 503-6897 
    • Packard Health (734) 971-1073 
      • Pharmacy offers discount program for eligible uninsured patients.  
    • Saline Area Social Service (734) 429-4570 
      • Can help clients with copays for prescriptions filled at participating pharmacies (CVS, Jensen’s Community Pharmacy, and Saline Pharmacy). 
    • Washtenaw Health Plan (734) 544-3030 
      • This is a program through the Washtenaw Health Project that covers health care costs for low-income county residents who are not eligible for other insurance. Must be renewed annually.  

Read more from the Senior Resource Connect Blog

March 26th is Epilepsy Awareness Day. You may have heard of Epilepsy, but did you know that it affects an increasing number of older adults? Today on the blog we’re going to explore Epilepsy- what it is, how it affects older adults, and what resources exist in the community.  

 

What is Epilepsy? 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Epilepsy is a chronic disease where the cells in the brain produce abnormal electrical signals, causing seizures. Approximately 3.4 million people in the United States live with Epilepsy. Epilepsy can be treated with daily medication.  

 

Epilepsy & Older Adults 

Older adults (age 55+) are the fastest growing group of epilepsy patients. It's estimated that there are nearly 1 million older adults living with Epilepsy in the United States. In older adults, strokes may cause symptoms that resemble other health conditions, such as wandering, confusion, dissociating, or the inability to speak (all of which can resemble Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia). Unfortunately, many antiseizure medications put older adults at an increased risk of falling due to side effects including dizziness and loss of balance. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about your medication (we’ve also covered basic fall prevention tips on the blog in the past). 

 

Managing Epilepsy 

While seizures can be unpredictable, there are some small steps people with Epilepsy can take that may improve their seizure control and overall health. 

Stay on top of medication. 

Missing medication is the leading trigger for seizures. 

How Can You Make Sure You Take Your Medicine As Directed? via Senior Resource Connect 

How to save money on prescription medications via Senior Resource Connect 

Get a good night’s sleep. 

Sleep deprivation can also trigger seizures.  

Stay active. 

Eat a healthy diet and know how certain foods or drinks (e.g., alcohol, caffeine) affect your seizures.  

Reduce stress. 

Keep a record of your seizures- what happened before, during and after the seizure, any triggers you can identify, and any patterns you notice. 

Develop a Seizure Action Plan and share it with loved ones.  

 

What To Do If Someone Is Having a Seizure (Stay-Safe-Side) via Michigan Medicine 

STAY with the person until they are alert and the seizure has passed. 

Make sure to time the seizure. 

Make sure the person having the seizure is in a SAFE place. 

Turn the person on their SIDE to keep their airway clear. 

Also make sure to loosen any clothing/jewelry that may be tight around their neck. 

Make sure there’s something soft under their head.  

When to call 911: 

If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes. 

If the person has multiple seizures one after the other. 

If the person has difficulty breathing, chest pain, or does not regain alertness after the seizure. 

If the person became injured during the seizure. 

If the seizure occurs in water.  

 

Local & National Resources 

Epilepsy Foundation’s 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000 

Spanish hotline: 1-866-748-8008 

Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan’s Here For You Helpline: 1-800-377-6226 

Project UPLIFT via the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan 

Evidence-based depression management program for adults with Epilepsy. This program runs for 8 weeks and is conducted over the phone. 

Seizure Response Dogs via Paws With A Cause ($50 application fee) 

Seizure Smart Mental Health Professional Network- this is a list of therapists that have completed the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan’s training on seizures and mental health. 

Steve Metz Memorial Grant via The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation 

Offers a one-time grant in the amount of $1,000 towards a seizure alert dog.  

University of Michigan Comprehensive Epilepsy Program (734) 936-9020

Supporting Older Adults with Epilepsy

466551930_10160553783055779_8355109071730817088_n

Spotlight: Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

katie-smith-uQs1802D0CQ-unsplash

Nutritionist Services: Getting Coverage and Support

Ash Wednesday (Facebook Post) (1)

Wishing You A Blessed Ash Wednesday

256px-Washroom_pictogram_sign_with_braille

Guide to Finding Adult Diapers and Incontinence Supplies in Washtenaw County