One of my regular duties is picking up my dad’s prescriptions at the pharmacy. He’s on five different medications for issues ranging from high blood pressure to an enlarged prostate. Fortunately, his Medicare Part D insurance lowers the cost until the end of the year when the donut hole kicks in. That’s when my mouth drops at the price for his prescriptions.
ElderCarelink Blog
AARP study reveals rising medication costs for seniors
by Dorian MartinJanuary 27th, 2012 at 10:49 am
Dealing with elders and chronic pain management
by Dorian MartinNovember 10th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
My Dad recently panicked because he misplaced the prescription that eases his chronic pain. He has spinal stenosis, arthritis and degenerative spinal discs, which make it difficult for him to stand, walk or bend to pick anything off the floor. Therefore, this drug is a very important part of his medical arsenal.
So what is chronic pain? Unlike acute pain (which is resolved when the cause is treated and healing occurs), chronic pain usually lasts more than three months and is believed to cause changes in the nervous system that become progressively worse over time. Read more »
Did you take your pill? Medication concerns and older adults
by Kathryn Kilpatrick, M.A. CCC/SLPJuly 28th, 2011 at 9:09 am
Dealing with aging and health issues of elders and loved ones can be difficult. From discussions about taking away the car keys to bringing in additional help, having the elder live with a family member to mom or dad moving into an assisted living facility, these conversations are fraught with emotion and challenges. Yet, before these major conversations take place, another issue should be resolved: ensuring the elder is properly taking his or her medication.
When Does a Person Need More Assistance?
by Kathryn Kilpatrick, M.A. CCC/SLPJuly 29th, 2010 at 2:12 am
It is not always obvious if a person would benefit from additional assistance when it comes to their medical appointments. Sometimes a person may be unable to drive and needs to rely on a ride from a friend or a transportation service. If there are hearing, speech, memory and/or vision problems, the concern becomes whether that person understands, remembers or is able to accurately explain the details that were given.
Carol Bradley Bursack
