Aging and medication use
Aging older and taking medications
As a person ages, taking medications correctly can become increasingly difficult. The body reacts differently to medications and sometimes a person takes several medications at once, which increases the chance of side effects. We are ready to help with this. In this article you can read about how we offer support with medication use and how the medication roll can help make taking medication easier and safer.
How does the body change with age?
As you age, the way the body responds to medications changes. For example, you have less body fluids, so medications that dissolve well in water work more strongly. Also, the brain becomes more sensitive to certain medications, which can lead to side effects such as dizziness. In addition, the kidneys may not work as well, causing medications to stay in the body longer. This can cause side effects such as drowsiness, confusion or even falls.
Elders often take multiple medications at the same time. This may be necessary because of different conditions, but it also means that medications can affect each other. Sometimes they enhance each other's effects, sometimes they weaken them. This is why it is important to discuss medication use with us regularly.
Our services for elderly patients
We offer several services to make taking medications easier:
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Medication Monitoring
We keep an eye on whether you're getting the right medicine in the right dosage. We also see if new medications go well with other medications.
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Medication overview
We can make an overview of your medication. This overview is useful for yourself, but also for the doctor when you go for a check-up.
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Delivery service
Can't pick up your medications yourself? Then we can deliver your medications to your home free of charge.
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Aids
There are convenient aids available, such as the medicine roll, that make you less likely to forget to take your medications.
The medicine roll: a convenient solution
For patients where it is difficult to take medications at set times, we offer the medicine roll. This is a system where medications are packed into small bags for each time of day. This way you know exactly when to take which medicine without having to keep track of it yourself. The medication roll ensures that you are less likely to make mistakes and that you take your medication at the right times. This promotes the effectiveness of your medication.The medication roll is suitable for different types of medications, such as blood pressure reducers, blood sugar lowering medications and anti-epileptics. It is also often used by people taking medications for Parkinson's or rheumatoid arthritis.
Compensation of the medicine roll
The medicine roll is reimbursed from the basic insurance. Whether you are eligible for this is determined by your doctor.
Tips for taking medications
Sometimes it can be difficult to take medications, especially as you get older. Fortunately, there are tools that can help, such as a tablet pusher to remove medications from the container or a tablet crusher if you have trouble swallowing. We can also advise you on how to halve or finesse certain medications, if needed.
Medication Review
If you take a lot of medications, it may be helpful to have a medication review. This is a conversation with the pharmacist (and family doctor) in which you look at your medication use together. Sometimes you can start taking less medication or even stop taking certain medications. We will help you do this in a safe way.
Do you have questions about your medication use or would you like more information about the medication roll? Then contact us!
