Managing Medications from a Good Prescription Pad
A prescription pad is usually used for good especially with medication management. With medication management I have that prescriber’s back as I check for any issues. I am so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with prescriber colleagues on the medication regimens of my clients.
This week alone, I have encountered two situations where prescribers made prescription decisions that hurt the patient. These were aging parents of my clients. These doctors CERTAINLY did not intend to do that. They just made decisions with the limited information they were given. I was glad to be able to go in and
- get the full picture
- communicate that with the provider
- help modify the prescription
Safely stop or change medications
In one case the medication dose was decreased quickly. My client’s mother was not tolerating the quick change. We need to remove slowly medications that impact thinking. This is called deprescribing, and it is critical for many common medications. Here, it is key for doctors and pharmacists to collaborate. I check in regularly to guide the taper off the medication. I make sure we go at a pace that is well tolerated and working for the patient. This is a great example of a prescription pad being used for good with medication management in retirement.
Medication use in someone with dementia
In the other case, four medications were added to calm behaviors in another client’s mother. She has dementia. These changes were made over just two weeks. This led to confusion for the patient and family stress. Rapid changes are often not tolerated and actually worsen the situation. Being board certified in geriatrics, I specialize in medication use in these types of situations.
If you are nearing retirement and have aging parents
You want a trusted clinician to make sure medications are just right for your parents. This support provides great peace of mind. You can add me as a trusted partner and guide. I’ll help you prepare for doctor visits, understand decisions to be made, and navigate any changes.
Prescription pads can be used for good with medication management in retirement, and I can help!
Schedule your free call today to learn more by clicking here. Or e-mail me at michelle@retirewellness.com.
