Managing Multiple Medications Safely: How Suffolk County Seniors Can Prevent Dangerous Falls
Falls are the leading cause of injuries among older adults aged 65 and older, and for older adults, falls are a big deal as they increase the risk of hospitalization, disability, and even death. Research shows that some medications increase the risk of falls in older adults, and medications are one of the most common causes of falls, especially in older adults. For Suffolk County seniors managing multiple prescriptions, understanding the connection between medications and fall risk is crucial for maintaining independence and safety at home.
The Hidden Danger in Your Medicine Cabinet
Studies demonstrate that the risk of falls increases with the use of multiple medications, and taking even one medication can affect the incidence of falls. Polypharmacy is typically defined as the use of more than 3 or 4 medications, with research showing that almost one-third of the total population using five or more drugs had a significantly increased rate of falls (21%) over a 2-year period.
Certain medications increase an older adult’s risk of falls, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal remedies, and a medication review can help prevent falls and other health problems among older adults. The most concerning categories include:
- Fall-risk increasing drugs (FRIDs) include drugs for cardiovascular diseases (such as digoxin, type 1a anti-arrhythmics and diuretics), benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, antiparkinsonian drugs, opioids and urological spasmolytics.
- Psychotropic medications like anti-depressants or anti-anxiety drugs that can affect balance, as well as antipsychotic medications used for behavioral issues, which can increase the risk of dizziness and confusion and increase a risk for falls.
- Some medications can cause dizziness, sedation, confusion, blurred vision, or orthostatic hypotension, including anticholinergics, antihistamines, medications affecting blood pressure, and muscle relaxants.
Understanding the Risks Specific to Multiple Medications
Medication duplication can occur when someone is taking two medications that essentially do the same thing, such as when a patient is discharged from the hospital and given a prescription, or taking both an anti-inflammatory prescription like meloxicam and an over-the-counter drug like Aleve, which could cause a gastrointestinal bleed.
Pharmacological factors that place the elderly at greater risk of drug-related side effects include changes in body composition, serum albumin, total body water, and hepatic and renal functioning. Most studies show a significant association between the use of benzodiazepines and falls or fractures, with the risk of falling increasing after a new prescription of benzodiazepine and with long-term use.
Practical Prevention Strategies for Suffolk County Seniors
Drug use is one of the most modifiable risk factors for falls and falls-related injuries. Suffolk County seniors can take several proactive steps to reduce their medication-related fall risk:
- Regular Medication Reviews: A thorough medication review is very important for older adults who are at risk for falls, and periodic drug review among older adults should be incorporated in a fall prevention programme.
- Healthcare Team Communication: Healthcare teams and pharmacists can help simplify and make changes to medication lists to decrease fall risk by recommending medications to discontinue, lower the dose, take less frequently, or take at different times in the day.
- Professional Deprescribing: Evidence shows that targeted deprescribing of fall risk-increasing drugs, especially psychotropics and sedatives, can significantly reduce falls by up to 24–66% in community-dwelling older adults, and reduction in the dosage consumption of benzodiazepines proved high success rate in fall prevention.
The Importance of Professional Fall Prevention Services
For Suffolk County residents concerned about medication-related falls, professional fall prevention suffolk county services can provide comprehensive assessment and intervention. MedCare Therapy Services specializes in providing home-based physical and occupational therapy for individuals who struggle to leave their residences, and since 2010, they have been dedicated to restoring function and enhancing comfort for patients in Suffolk and Nassau County, with their expert therapists offering tailored services, including fall prevention programs, gait training, and rehabilitation for various conditions.
MedCare Therapy Services treats each patient like family, ensuring comfort and exceptional care in your own environment, striving to treat each patient like a member of their family offering an exceptional level of comfort in your home. They specialize in providing Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy for individuals who have difficulty leaving their home or getting to a medical or therapy office, and also provide services for those who can get out but prefer to have true 1-on-1 treatment in their own environment, with a dedicated team of professionals that have been serving Long Island since 2010.
Creating a Comprehensive Safety Plan
Successful fall prevention requires focusing on multifactorial reasons contributing to falls, including proper monitoring of medication intake (dose, time, type, number), individual risk factors and environmental factors leading to falls, balance training, gait training, assistive devices, and promoting education to family members regarding risk factors.
Providing enhanced medication management support and regular medication reviews are crucial to decrease the likelihood of older adults experiencing falls and reduce the risk of medication-related hospitalizations. Additional safety measures include:
- Staying active and exercising to build strength and stability, and trying simple exercises that can help improve balance.
- Getting an eye exam to see if you need a new or updated prescription for eyeglasses.
- Making your home safer by eliminating clutter and things you can trip on, clearing your space and home of unnecessary clutter especially items on the floor, securing area rugs and using nonslip mats in the bathroom, using bright lighting especially around stairs, and adding night lights to bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms.
Taking Action for Your Safety
If you’re worried about your balance or risk for falls, review your medication list with your healthcare team, as often they can lower your medication dose or even stop it altogether, which can help you feel more confident on your feet as you age. Medications are an easy risk factor to change, and one way to minimize the risk of falls is to review your medication list.
Suffolk County seniors don’t have to navigate medication-related fall risks alone. With proper professional guidance, medication management, and comprehensive fall prevention strategies, it’s possible to maintain both the health benefits of necessary medications and the safety that comes with reduced fall risk. Remember, fall prevention is the first and foremost step in older adults.