Compassionate Home Helpers Home Care is Making Life Easier® for Seniors

Post author By Debbie Humphrey
Post date November 7, 2025

November is Home Care & Hospice Month, and since I explained in detail about hospice care in my last blog post, I am focusing on in-home care this time, because it is the name of my game as a Certified Senior Care Advisor, and I want you to know more about the compassionate Home Helpers home care that is Making Life Easier® for seniors.

Home Care Services

Companion Care – Companionship is a vital element of our Cared-4^℠ program. If you or a senior loved one likes movies and lunches out, or crafts and puzzles, I will match a caregiver with shared interests to keep you company and actively engaged.

Homemaker Services – Homemaker services help create a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment so your loved one can stay at home and live independently with greater confidence and security, giving you and your family more peace of mind.

Personal Care – Personal care services from a trained caregiver provide essential assistance with daily needs like hygiene and nutrition, helping seniors and individuals with disabilities remain safely and comfortably in the place they love most — home.

Nutrition and Wellness – Sometimes, the toughest part of staying healthy is finding time to get the right nutrition and preparing it. Our Caregiver Meal Prep service helps seniors from the grocery store to the kitchen to the dining table, making the whole process less of a chore. When seniors have the right fuel, their physical and mental well-being, along with their quality of life, will improve.

Wake-up/Tuck-in Services – Our Cared-4^℠ program includes wake-up and tuck-in services that can assist you or your loved one with morning and evening routines and tasks, which will begin and/or end each day with more joy and peace of mind for everyone.

Wellness calls – To help provide a sense of companionship or needed reminders, we have developed a wellness calls service. These calls ensure you or your aging loved one is well, they are taking their medications, drinking enough water, safely exercising, and eating properly. In addition, wellness calls can occur as often as necessary.

24-Hour Care – Our 24-hour home care and live-in home caregiver services are fully customizable. Whether your loved one is recovering from surgery, living with dementia, or simply needs support with daily activities, we create a care plan tailored to their lifestyle and preferences.

24-Hour Monitoring – Round-the-clock monitoring services and medical alert systems help seniors and individuals needing in-home care stay safe while enjoying the comfort of home. These tools not only support independent living but also provide reassurance to family members and loved ones that help is always just a button-press away.

Specialized Care Services – Many of our caregivers have experience helping clients with conditions like Parkinson’s, Down Syndrome, COPD, and heart disease. To ensure we provide the right specialized home care assistance services for you or your loved one, we provide specialized training for our caregivers and tailor our care plan accordingly.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care – Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can present many challenges. Our professional caregivers can ease the burden with customized in-home care services that ensure an improved quality of life and more peace of mind for you, your loved one, and your entire family. Home Helpers® dementia caregivers receive specialized training and are highly experienced in dementia care.

Recuperative care – Clients recovering from a major surgery or injury can often use a little assistance as they recuperate at home. Our caregivers can assist with recovery efforts as well as provide comfort and assistance for clients recuperating from surgeries, injuries, or rehabilitation.

Support for Stroke Recovery – Strokes are the leading cause of disabilities in the United States, making home care invaluable to someone who is recovering from a stroke. We are here to assist during this difficult time and provide comprehensive support for stroke recovery to address specific needs and requirements.

Respite Care – Family and private caregivers can easily get burned out when spending the majority of their time caring for a senior loved one. Respite care services provide the break family and private caregivers need to refresh and recharge. Consider it a planned break from caregiving routines that still allows your loved one to be properly cared for at home, where they are most comfortable.

I am thankful for the compassionate caregivers at Home Helpers who are Making Life Easier® for seniors by providing high-quality in-home care services 24/7/365. I welcome the opportunity to schedule a FREE Consultation to discuss the many ways we can make life easier for you or a senior you love.

We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Activated Insights Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providers in 2025 and to have received the Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice, and the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience Awards in 2025, along with the Caring Super Star 2025 Award.

Home Helpers Clearwater proudly serves male and female seniors, veterans, and differently abled individuals in Bayonet Point, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Gulfport, Holiday, Hudson, Largo, Madeira Beach, New Port Richey, North Redington Beach, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Pass A Grille, Pass A Grille Beach, Port Richey, Redington Shores, Safety Harbor, Saint Petersburg, Seminole, South Pasadena, Tarpon Springs, Tierra Verde, Treasure Island, Trinity, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier® 727.942.2539

Hospice and Palliative Care Provide Comfort, Dignity, and Support for Seniors and Families

Post author By Debbie Humphrey
Post date November 5, 2025

On January 18, 2025, my vibrant aunt was smiling and dancing at her 83^rd birthday party. Just over six weeks later, she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and her end-of-life journey began. It was a significant blow to her and our entire family.

Her oncologist ordered Keytruda infusions to help slow the progression of the colon and liver cancer, but it did not work as hoped. She had surgery to remove a tumor blockage in her colon, which resulted in her receiving a colostomy bag, which required palliative care and a whole new skill set to manage.

By mid-summer, PET scans showed the cancer had grown and spread, and chemotherapy was no longer an option. My aunt was dying and would not live to see her 84^th birthday.

Palliative care had begun in the spring, as friends and family caregivers worked together to get her to doctor appointments, treatments, and scans, and keep her as comfortable as possible.

Hospice care was recommended by her doctors when there was nothing more they could do, and she met with a nurse, social worker, and chaplain from a local hospice agency. However, she was not ready to accept hospice care, so it wasn’t initiated until the final days of her life in early October. She died peacefully on October 3, 2025.

November 2–8, 2025, marks Hospice and Palliative Care Week, a time to raise awareness and understanding about these important end-of-life care services that provide comfort, dignity, and support for seniors and their families.

Hospice Care

Hospice Care is ordered for people who are in the later stages of an incurable or critical illness, like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia, and nearing the end of their life, typically with a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Hospice nurses treat symptoms and negative effects of the illness to keep their patients as comfortable as possible.

According to the Hospice Foundation, “Most hospices follow Medicare requirements to provide the following services, as necessary, to manage the primary illness for which someone receives hospice care.”

Hospice care involves:

Time and services of the care team, including visits to the patient’s location by the hospice physician, nurse, medical social worker, home health aide, and chaplain/spiritual adviser
Medication for symptom control, including pain relief
Medical equipment like a hospital bed, wheelchairs or walkers, and medical supplies such as oxygen, bandages, and catheters
Physical and occupational therapy*
Speech-language pathology services*
Dietary counseling*
Any other Medicare-covered services needed to manage pain and other symptoms related to the terminal illness, as recommended by the hospice team
Short-term inpatient care (e.g. when adequate pain and symptom management cannot be achieved in the home setting)
Short-term respite care for family caregivers (e.g. temporary relief from caregiving to avoid or address “caregiver burnout”)
Grief and loss counseling for the patient and loved ones, who may experience anticipatory grief. Grief counseling is provided to family members for up to 13 months after a death.

*Access to these services is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on assessment of the hospice team, goals of care as established by the hospice team, and disease progression and symptom burden.

Palliative Care

The National Institute on Aging says, “Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness, such as cancer or heart failure. Patients in palliative care may receive medical care for their symptoms, or palliative care, along with treatment intended to cure their serious illness. Palliative care is meant to enhance a person’s current care by focusing on quality of life for them and their family.”

Palliative care is:

Helpful to any senior at any stage of illness.
Initiated to improve the quality of life and symptoms for seniors or any older person experiencing general discomfort or disability.
Includes a team of professionals to provide medical, social, emotional, and practical support, like specialists, doctors, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, professional caregivers, and chaplains.
Provided in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient palliative care clinics, specialized clinics, or the patient’s home.

These descriptions of hospice and palliative care services are meant to serve as guidelines of what to expect should the time come that you or a senior loved one needs specialized end-of-life care.

During Hospice and Palliative Care Week and over the upcoming holidays, please pay particular attention to your senior loved ones who live alone and may be challenged by activities of daily living. If they appear to be struggling or they seem lonely and isolated, I am happy to offer a FREE Consultation to determine how Home Helpers can make life easier.

In addition, our compassionate caregivers often work collaboratively with hospice personnel to provide the end-of-life care and support that is required.

Source:

Hospice Foundation

National Institute on Aging

T.R.A.V.E.L. Well Over the Holidays With a Loved One Who Has Dementia

Post author By Debbie Humphrey
Post date October 23, 2025

I love seeing all of the spooktacular Halloween decorations and fun costumes for families and kiddos in preparation for parties and trick-or-treating on October 31^st. However, many stores are already displaying Thanksgiving and Christmas merchandise for the upcoming holiday season.

In a matter of weeks, millions of Americans will begin preparing for holiday travel, which is why the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is encouraging caregivers taking a trip with a loved one who has dementia to follow specific T.R.A.V.E.L. tips to ensure the journey is as smooth as possible.

“Whether you’re taking a road trip or a flight, there are preparations and adaptations caregivers should make to make the trip as smooth as possible for their loved one living with dementia,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Senior Director of Educational and Social Services. “During a busy holiday travel weekend with packed roadways and crowded airports, it’s essential for families to be proactive and prepared.”

AFA recommends taking the following dementia-friendly T.R.A.V.E.L. tips:

Time the travel properly. When planning a trip, choose the travel method and timing that will help keep your loved one as calm and comfortable as possible. Consider their individual needs and abilities when planning. New environments, unfamiliar places, or sudden changes in routine can feel overwhelming for someone with dementia. Try to maintain familiar routines whenever you can and offer gentle reassurance and support throughout the journey.

Reduce stress and anxiety. If you’ll be traveling by public transportation, help your loved one feel more at ease by explaining what to expect at security checkpoints in a way they can understand. Familiarizing them ahead of time can help reduce confusion and anxiety during the trip.

Avoid overscheduling. While it can be tempting to pack a trip full of activities, too much stimulation can overwhelm someone living with dementia and lead to confusion, agitation, or anxiety. Plan for plenty of downtime so your loved one can rest and recharge. On road trips, take regular breaks for meals, bathroom visits, and relaxation—and try to travel outside of rush hours to make the journey smoother and less stressful.

Value quality over quantity. Concentrate on enjoying meaningful moments together instead of trying to visit as many sites or attractions as possible. Quality time and shared experiences are far more valuable than a packed itinerary.

Explore traveler assistance. If you’re flying, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides assistance for travelers with medical conditions, including dementia-related illnesses. Call the TSA Cares Helpline at least 72 hours before your flight to learn more about available support. You should also notify the airline that you’re traveling with someone who has dementia, request early boarding, and share any specific needs your loved one may have to help make the trip smoother and less stressful.

Leave prepared for contingencies. Pack plenty of snacks, water, and engaging activities, along with comfort items like a favorite sweater or blanket. Include an extra set of comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing to ensure your loved one’s comfort. Don’t forget to bring important health and legal documents, a list of current medications, and your loved one’s physician contact information for easy access if needed.

Caregivers who have questions about traveling with someone who has a dementia-related illness can speak with a licensed social worker through the AFA Helpline by phone (866-232-8484), text message (646-586-5283), or webchat (www.alzfdn.org). The helpline is available seven days a week.

During National Alzheimer’s Disease Month and over the upcoming holidays, please include your loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia, or if that is not possible, consider hiring a Home Helpers® caregiver who is certified in Alzheimer’s care and is professionally trained to manage specialized care for seniors with dementia-related illnesses.

Many caregivers on my care team have received training and are highly experienced in dementia care, so they know what to do and how to respond in numerous scenarios.

It would be my pleasure to meet you and your loved one with dementia during a FREE Consultation to determine what specialized services will be required, so I can match the most experienced certified caregiver to help.

Source:

Alzheimer’s Foundation

Helpful Halloween Safety Tips for Seniors and Caregivers in West Pasco and Pinellas Counties

Post author By Debbie Humphrey
Post date October 21, 2025

Halloween is one of the most festive times of the year, filled with pumpkins, costumes, and plenty of fun for all ages. But while the spooky season can bring joy and laughter, it can also present safety challenges for seniors. From darker evenings and busy streets to cluttered walkways and decorations, Halloween requires a little extra planning to ensure everyone enjoys it safely.

At Home Helpers Clearwater, our goal is to help seniors stay safe, comfortable, and connected, especially during holidays and community events. Here are some helpful Halloween safety tips for seniors and caregivers in West Pasco and Pinellas Counties to ensure a happy and worry-free Halloween celebration.

1. Keep Outdoor Areas Safe and Well-Lit

Whether your loved one plans to hand out candy or simply enjoy the decorations from inside, outdoor safety is key.

Clear walkways: Remove leaves, yard decorations, and other clutter that could cause someone to trip. Clearwater’s fall evenings can get damp, and wet leaves can be slippery.
Check lighting: Replace burnt-out bulbs on porches and driveways, and consider adding solar lights to walkways to improve visibility for visitors and delivery drivers.
Avoid candles: Use battery-operated lights or glow sticks in pumpkins and decorations instead of open flames. They’re safer and last longer, especially in our Florida humidity.

Even if your senior loved one isn’t greeting trick-or-treaters, keeping the yard and entryway well-lit deters unwanted visitors and makes it easier to move around safely.

2. Minimize Indoor Fall Hazards

Decorating for Halloween can make the home feel festive, but it can also create tripping hazards.

Avoid cords across walkways: Keep extension cords and decorations close to outlets to prevent accidental trips.
Ensure clear paths: Move furniture or décor to keep hallways open, especially if your loved one uses a walker or cane.
Add nightlights: Motion-sensor lights in hallways and bathrooms can help prevent falls after dark.

Our compassionate caregivers can help tidy and rearrange spaces so seniors can move safely around the home during the holiday season.

3. Choose Safe and Comfortable Costumes

Many seniors enjoy dressing up for family gatherings or community events, and they should – Halloween fun is for everyone! Just keep safety in mind.

Go for comfort: Loose, flowing costumes can be tripping hazards. Choose simple, breathable fabrics that fit well.
Pick non-slip shoes: Supportive, rubber-soled footwear helps prevent slips on sidewalks or tile floors.
Avoid masks that block vision: Face paint or festive hats are safer choices than masks that limit sight or breathing.
Choose flame-resistant materials: Many decorations include candles or lanterns—flame-retardant clothing adds peace of mind.

At Home Helpers, we love helping seniors participate in community celebrations safely and confidently.

4. Be Cautious When Greeting Visitors

Halloween night brings lots of people to the door. Most are friendly trick-or-treaters, but seniors – especially those living alone – need to be cautious.

Keep the door locked until you can identify who’s there.
Use a peephole, camera doorbell, or window before opening the door.
Have a friend, family member, or caregiver nearby if you’re handing out candy.
Leave candy outside if you prefer not to answer the door repeatedly.

For seniors who feel nervous about opening the door, our caregivers can stay with them through the evening to provide reassurance and support.

5. Manage Noise and Pet Stress

Doorbells, laughter, and the sound of constant knocking can be stressful for both seniors and pets.

Create a quiet zone: Keep pets in a separate room with soft music or the TV on to help mask outside noise.
Remind seniors not to share candy with pets: Chocolate, raisins, and xylitol (a common sugar substitute) are toxic to animals.
Use a bowl for treats: If the doorbell is overwhelming, leaving a treat bowl outside keeps things peaceful.

A calm, comfortable home helps seniors and their furry friends enjoy the evening without anxiety.

6. Stay Alert to Scams or Pranks

Unfortunately, Halloween can also bring a few tricks that aren’t so fun. Seniors should stay alert and take precautions.

Ignore suspicious visitors or calls. Scammers sometimes take advantage of holidays to ask for “donations” or share fake stories.
Lock all doors and windows before dark. This helps deter pranksters or unwanted visitors.
Don’t share personal information with anyone you don’t know, even if they seem friendly.

Our caregivers can help seniors stay connected and check in during the evening to ensure all is well.

7. Enjoy Safe, Local Halloween Fun

Many Clearwater-area community centers, churches, and senior programs host daytime and early evening Halloween events that are safer and more relaxed than nighttime trick-or-treating.

Look for local senior-friendly events: Clearwater Parks & Recreation often hosts fall festivals and craft fairs perfect for older adults. This year, consider participating in JuBOOlee on Friday, October 24th, at 5:30 PM, for a “hauntingly, ghoulish time.”
Bring a friend or caregiver: Companionship makes events more enjoyable and ensures someone is there to help if needed.
Stay hydrated: It’s still warm in Florida in October, so bring water and take breaks during outdoor activities.

Daytime and early evening celebrations are great ways for seniors to enjoy the holiday spirit while staying safe and social.

Halloween should be a time of joy, laughter, and connection, not worry. With a little preparation and awareness, seniors in Clearwater can enjoy Halloween festivities safely, whether they’re passing out candy, attending a local event, or watching the fun from the comfort of home.

At Home Helpers Clearwater, we’re proud to help seniors in West Pasco and Pinellas Counties stay safe, independent, and engaged all year long. From light housekeeping and meal prep to companionship and transportation to community events, our caregivers make life easier and more enjoyable.

If you or a senior loved one could use a helping hand this holiday season, contact Home Helpers Clearwater today for a FREE In-Home Care Assessment. Together, we’ll create a personalized care plan that supports safety, comfort, and peace of mind on Halloween and throughout the upcoming holidays.

Sources:

Learn2Care

City of Clearwater

A Comprehensive Guide to the Healthiest Seafood Options for Seniors

Post author By Debbie Humphrey
Post date October 9, 2025

One of the greatest benefits we enjoy on the Best Coast of Florida is an abundance of fresh seafood.

Seafood is one of the most nutritious and versatile sources of protein, offering a wide range of health benefits for older adults. Rich in lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals, seafood can support brain health, heart health, bone strength, and overall well-being. However, seniors also need to be mindful of safety concerns, such as mercury levels, potential digestive sensitivities, and preparation methods. Choosing the right seafood can help maximize benefits while minimizing risks.

To commemorate National Seafood Month, I have created a comprehensive guide to the healthiest seafood options for seniors, along with tips on how to enjoy them.

Why Seafood Is Important for Seniors

As we age, our bodies naturally change in muscle mass, metabolism, bone density, and cognitive function. A balanced diet that includes seafood can play an important role in supporting these areas.

Brain health: Omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA and EPA) found in fatty fish are linked to improved cognitive function and may help reduce the risk of dementia.
Heart health: Regular seafood consumption is associated with lower risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Joint health: Omega-3s may reduce inflammation, helping to ease arthritis symptoms.
Bone strength: Many types of seafood contain vitamin D and calcium, important for bone density.
Lean protein: Seafood provides high-quality protein that supports muscle maintenance, essential for mobility and independence in seniors.

The Healthiest Seafood for Seniors

1. Salmon

Salmon is one of the best overall choices. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium. Wild-caught salmon is lower in contaminants than farmed varieties, but both provide significant health benefits. It’s also tender and easy to chew, making it senior-friendly.

Best preparation: Baked, grilled, or poached with herbs and lemon.

2. Sardines

Often overlooked, sardines are nutritional powerhouses. They are packed with omega-3s, calcium, and vitamin D. Because they are small, oily fish, sardines are naturally low in mercury. Canned sardines in water or olive oil are convenient and affordable.

Best preparation: Added to salads, mashed on whole-grain toast, or stirred into pasta.

3. Trout

Rainbow trout is another excellent choice. It’s high in omega-3s and lean protein while being lower in mercury than larger predatory fish. Like salmon, trout is also a good source of vitamin B12, which supports energy and brain function.

Best preparation: Pan-seared with olive oil or baked with vegetables.

4. Anchovies

Anchovies may be small, but they’re full of flavor and nutrients. Like sardines, they are low in mercury and high in omega-3s. They also provide calcium when eaten with their tiny bones.

Best preparation: Lightly mixed into sauces, salads, or as a topping for whole-grain pizza.

5. Herring

Another oily fish, herring is loaded with healthy fats, vitamin D, and selenium. Pickled herring is a traditional favorite, but it can be high in sodium—so seniors with high blood pressure should opt for fresh or lightly smoked varieties.

Best preparation: Grilled, baked, or marinated with herbs.

6. Cod

Cod is a mild, flaky white fish that is easy to digest and cook. It’s lower in fat but still provides lean protein, vitamin B12, and iodine. Cod liver oil, often taken as a supplement, is also rich in omega-3s and vitamin D.

Best preparation: Baked or broiled with light seasoning.

7. Pollock

Pollock is often used in fish sticks and imitation crab, but fresh pollock is nutritious and mild in flavor. It’s low in mercury, high in protein, and rich in selenium.

Best preparation: Lightly breaded and baked for a healthier version of classic fish dishes.

8. Tilapia

Tilapia is widely available, budget-friendly, and mild in flavor. While it’s not as high in omega-3s as fatty fish, it provides lean protein and is generally safe for seniors. Choosing responsibly farmed tilapia is important to ensure quality.

Best preparation: Grilled, baked, or pan-seared with vegetables.

Seafood to Limit or Avoid

While seafood is beneficial, some types carry higher levels of mercury or other contaminants that may pose risks to seniors:

Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish – These large predatory fish contain higher levels of mercury.
Raw or undercooked shellfish – Oysters, clams, and mussels can harbor bacteria and viruses that may be harder for seniors to fight off. Always cook thoroughly.
Processed seafood with excess sodium – Breaded fish sticks, smoked fish, and canned seafood packed in brine may contain high sodium levels that can raise blood pressure.

Tips for Enjoying Seafood Safely

Aim for 2–3 servings per week: This aligns with dietary guidelines for healthy adults, including seniors.
Cook thoroughly: Ensure seafood reaches safe internal temperatures to prevent foodborne illness.
Pair with nutrient-rich sides: Serve with whole grains, vegetables, or leafy greens for a balanced meal.
Choose fresh or frozen: Fresh fish should have a mild smell and firm texture; frozen options are just as nutritious when stored properly.
Watch portion sizes: Seniors may need smaller servings (3–4 ounces per meal) depending on appetite and nutritional needs.

Seafood can be a delicious and highly nutritious part of a senior’s diet. Options such as salmon, sardines, trout, and cod provide vital nutrients that support heart, brain, and bone health, while also offering easy-to-digest protein. By choosing low-mercury varieties and preparing them in simple, wholesome ways, seniors can enjoy the many benefits of seafood while minimizing risks.

Adding seafood to your weekly menu can help older adults feel stronger, think more clearly, and maintain a healthier, more independent lifestyle.

I am grateful that our Home Helpers Caregiver Meal Prep services include grocery shopping for healthy foods, meal planning, and meal preparation, so our senior clients get nutritious meals that include seafood and are tailored to suit their individual dietary needs and tastes.

If you or a senior loved one could use some extra help with grocery shopping and healthy meal planning and preparation, I gladly offer a FREE Assessment to discuss specific needs. Together, we’ll determine what in-home care services would be beneficial, so I can match the perfect caregiver to make life easier and mealtimes healthier.

Sources:

Seafood Health Facts

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Developmental and Intellectual Differences

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Professional Brown Bag Medicine Reviews Promote Senior Health and Safety

Post author By Debbie Humphrey
Post date October 6, 2025

At Home Helpers, many of the seniors we care for rely on daily medications, vitamins, or supplements to support their health. From time to time, some of our clients share concerns about unexpected side effects or uncomfortable reactions. This isn’t unusual. Most medications come with possible side effects. Problems arise when issues are linked to incorrect dosages or interactions between prescriptions and supplements, which can sometimes lead to serious health risks.

Managing medications and supplements can feel overwhelming, especially for seniors. Yet, they play a vital role in maintaining both physical and mental health. What many people don’t realize is that even common discomforts, like a headache or an upset stomach, may actually be side effects of prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, or even daily vitamins and supplements.

Considering the average senior takes 10 prescription medications, it’s no wonder confusion exists. That’s a lot of medicine to keep track of and remember! During Talk About Prescriptions Month, I want to emphasize the importance of having your primary care provider or pharmacist conduct professional Brown Bag Medicine Reviews to promote senior health and safety.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) explains, “The Brown Bag Medicine Review is a common practice that involves encouraging patients to bring all their medicines and supplements to their (doctor or pharmacy) visit and review them. The goal is to determine what medicines patients are taking and how they are taking them. The process can uncover medicine errors and medicines missing from your list.”

Here are two sobering practical experiences with brown bag reviews as quoted by the AHRQ:

“Out of 10-15 brown bag reviews, only 2 were accurate.”

“On the day of the brown bag review, we had a patient experiencing unexplained symptoms. It wasn’t until we looked at his medicine bottles that we realized he was taking a double dose of beta blocker. Had we not had the medicine bottles to identify the problem, we would have sent him to the hospital.”

Many drugs have similar side effects to the conditions for which they were prescribed, and they can cause dangerous interactions when combined with others in the body. This is a serious problem because many seniors don’t even realize how many pills they are taking, or why, and the potential negative consequences of a high drug load.

So, what is a Brown Bag Medicine Review? I know we are probably one of the last generations to understand “brown bagging it,” but it is a simple way to explain the concept of putting ALL prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements in a brown bag (or other container), and bringing them to your primary care provider or pharmacist to carefully review for potential adverse reactions, dose changes, expiration, and necessity.

Brown Bag Reviews are an easy way for seniors (and their caregivers) to check that all of their prescriptions match up correctly and none have expired (which happens more than you think). By bringing in ALL medicines at once, a doctor or pharmacist can check them against each other and ensure that everything is correct before the patient leaves the office or pharmacy.

Again, patients must bring in ALL prescribed or OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements to discuss potential interactions and to address any questions about whether a medication should be continued or adjusted.

Mixing up your medicine with the wrong dose or taking too many pills can be dangerous, or even fatal. To make matters worse, seniors often forget what they’ve taken and when. This is extremely dangerous because it could lead to negative interactions and potential overdoses.

The simple practice of a Brown Bag Review may help avoid serious side effects such as confusion, falls, dizziness, fainting spells, and even hospitalization due to adverse reactions between different medicines taken simultaneously by one person.

A Brown Bag Review also helps patients stay on top of their medication schedules, so they don’t miss important doses, which could lead to health complications down the line, like heart attacks and strokes.

A Brown Bag Review is a great way for seniors to ensure that all of their medications and supplements are working for them, not against them. A thorough check-up by a doctor or pharmacist will help ensure that the medications and supplements are safe for use in combination with each other and beneficial in treating symptoms and conditions for which they were prescribed or recommended.

Managing medications and activities of daily living can be a challenge for many seniors. However, a compassionate Home Helpers caregiver can provide medication and hydration reminders to help them stay on track; plan and prepare nutritious meals and snacks, especially when drugs must be taken with food; and lend support through companionship so they can feel confident knowing that someone is there to help.

I invite you to schedule a no-obligation FREE consultation today and discover how our personalized in-home care services can make life easier, safer, and more enjoyable for your senior loved one.

Source:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality