Lynn Harrelson, R.Ph., FASCP, Senior Care Pharmacist
8302 Cheshire Way
Louisville, Kentucky  40222
502-425-8642
www.SeniorPharmacySolutions.com
Member of the national ElderCare Matters Alliance, Kentucky chapter

Risky Medications 

Everyone who cares for todays’ seniors will eventually deal with the problems created by the medications that the seniors use. Some seniors have other watchful eyes on the medication they use. The general public is generally unaware that since Medicare was initiated in the mid-sixties that pharmacists have been federally mandated to review the medications of all Medicare patients residing in nursing homes or long term care facilities (LTCFs) across the country. Specially trained pharmacists review the use of each patient’s medications, how they are responding, train facility staff on proper dosing of medications, side-effect  monitoring and documenting and they make recommendations to the prescriber for changes in orders or labs. 

Read more on Article of the Week on ElderCareMatters.com: "Risky Medications"…

Amy Cameron O'Rourke, MPH, CMC
The Cameron Group
Orlando, Florida  32803
1-888-896-2010

Member of the national ElderCare Matters Alliance

Watching a parent grow older, become more frail and maybe more vulnerable can be an enriching experience when there is a framework for understanding the stage they are in. Without understanding some of the common stages, however, it can be a time fraught with frustration and anxiety. This time of life for an elder is called “late life” and one of the books that best describes and supports this time is the pioneering book, “ My Mother, Your Mother”, by Dr. Dennis McCullough. 

Read more on Article of the Week on ElderCareMatters.com: "I Am Worried About My Parents"…

Shannon Martin, M.S.W., CMC
Aging Wisely, LLC
Clearwater, Florida  33756
727-447-5845

Member of the national ElderCare Matters Alliance, Florida chapter

If your loved one is hospitalized, the hospital discharge process is a key transition time.  Within 90 days of hospital discharge, as many as 35% of Medicare recipients will be readmitted to the hospital.

Without proper support and resources as well as good understanding of follow up instructions, many individuals will return to the hospital for reasons that could have been avoided.  No one wants this, and it can be especially dangerous for elders and persons with chronic conditions.

If you are a family caregiver and an elderly loved one is hospitalized what can you do to ensure a safe transition after the hospital stay? Read more on Article of the Week: Ensuring a Safe Transition for Your Loved One After a Hospital Stay…