October is the national “Talk About Prescriptions” month, sponsored by the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE). It’s the perfect time to talk to your loved one about the medication they are taking. Studies have revealed that 40% of seniors cannot read a prescription label, and 76% of seniors cannot understand the medication information given to them. Caregivers can help! Considering that our loved ones often take multiple medications as they age (increasing the chance of interactions) and may have medications prescribed to them by multiple physicians, polypharmacy issues must be addressed. Communication is key- not only within the family, but also (and especially) with your loved one’s geriatrician and other health care providers. So take a few minutes this month to talk your parents, grandparents, and other loved ones about their prescriptions. Encourage them to talk to their doctors, and make sure that all of their physicians have a current list of their prescriptions and medications. For more information, please visit the NCPIE website here or their sister website MUST (Medication Use Safety Training) for Seniors here.
Posted Wednesday, October 24, 2007 by
Katie Eller
October is the national “Talk About Prescriptions” month, sponsored by the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE). It’s the perfect time to talk to your loved one about the medication they are taking. Studies have revealed that 40% of seniors cannot read a prescription label, and 76% of seniors cannot understand the medication information given to them. Caregivers can help! Considering that our loved ones often take multiple medications as they age (increasing the chance of interactions) and may have medications prescribed to them by multiple physicians, polypharmacy issues must be addressed. Communication is key- not only within the family, but also (and especially) with your loved one’s geriatrician and other health care providers. So take a few minutes this month to talk your parents, grandparents, and other loved ones about their prescriptions. Encourage them to talk to their doctors, and make sure that all of their physicians have a current list of their prescriptions and medications. For more information, please visit the NCPIE website here or their sister website MUST (Medication Use Safety Training) for Seniors here.
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Eric Tinsley
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