Risky OTC Drugs for Seniors

All too often people think of over-the-counter drugs as being safe and not having the side-effects or drug interactions their prescription drugs might have. Experts say this attitude could put you at risk as many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are not as harmless as we think, especially as we age. AARP recently cited a statistic showing as many as 178,000 hospitalizations a year are caused by a reaction to OCT medications and adults 65 years and older were more commonly harmed.  

One reason older adults are more vulnerable to adverse outcomes are many already take several prescription drugs. A report from the Lown Institute, a non-profit organization, reported nearly half of adults 65 years and older take five (known as polypharmacy) or more prescription drugs daily. Another 20 percent over 65 take 10 or more daily. 

This increases the risk of interactions when taking an OTC medication for pain relief, stomach issues, allergies or other needs. In addition, the AARP article explains as we age, our bodies lose muscle and gain fat, which slows down the process of getting rid of medications. One of the organs responsible for processing medication is the kidneys, which start to work less effectively to filter and eliminate waste causing medications to build up. Aging livers also work less effectively to break down medications. 

Common OTCs like acetaminophen (generic name for Tylenol) can cause damage to the liver. Ann M. Hester, M.D., a board-certified internal medicine physician based in Highland, Maryland explains overuse of acetaminophens is the leading cause of deadly liver failure. Seniors on blood thinners should be aware that ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) OTCs drugs may result in stomach bleeding and ulcers. Moreover doctors no longer recommend people take a daily aspirin as a preventive measure toward heart disease as it too may cause stomach bleeding. 

People with high blood pressure should be aware that decongestants containing phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine like Sudafed can increase blood pressure. It can also cause problems to combine an OTC pain reliever with a decongestant as it too raises blood pressure putting the person at risk for a stroke; and men with prostrate issues are at risk for urinary problems. There are other OTCs that seniors should be wary of so before you take one, be sure to check with your healthcare provider. 

At MorningStar of Arvada, we provide a vibrant retirement communities to comfortably and safely age in place with independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO families can trust. Along with resort-style amenities, wellness programs and nutritional meals, we offer medication management to help ensure residents get the proper medications they need. Contact us to set up a tour.

aarp.org/health/drugs-supplements/info-2023/otc-medications-risky-after-50/

Seniors & Knee Pain

As we age, our knees take a beating. We use them to walk, stand and climb stairs, and they are used to get us up from a sitting or lying down position. When our knees hurt, everyday tasks are harder to do. Chronic knee pain is often a form of arthritis that occurs when the cushioning cartilage protecting the knee joints starts to wear down. As more cartilage wears away, the space between the bones narrows resulting in bone rubbing against bone.   

Knee arthritis is a deteriorating condition, and in addition to pain, can cause deformities such as knock knees or bowlegs. Experts explain there are three forms of arthritis that affect the knee. The first is a degenerative joint disease called osteoarthritis; another is the autoimmune disease known as rheumatoid arthritis; and finally post-traumatic knee arthritis that happens with a history of injury or trauma.

Factors increasing your risk for knee arthritis include the wear and tear that comes from age, being overweight, heredity, gender, and health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hemochromatosis (high levels of iron in the blood) and vitamin D deficiency. Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis, severity of pain, a person’s age and other factors. Non-surgical treatments include injections, walking aids and bracing. Surgical treatments include total and partial knee replacements along with other solutions. If you experience chronic knee pain, talk to your doctor about a personalized plan to address your needs. 

At the MorningStar of Arvada senior living community, we believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and it is our privilege to serve those who first served us. Our retirement communities offer stylish options for independent living and assisted living with 112 bright suites in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans (some as large as 1374 square feet). Our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides memory care Arvada, CO families trust to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Please contact us to schedule a tour to see firsthand our loving retirement communities.   

Source: 

hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/knee-arthritis

Home Care Cost May Surprise You

A recent article from the Wall Street Journal found the cost of in-home care has risen extensively over the last several years. They explain in addition to the costs of in-home care; medical advances that extend lives but require ongoing care and the growing number of people over 65, have resulted in new pressures on families. Progressive diseases like Alzheimer’s and other chronic conditions can require extensive assistance. The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found approximately one-fourth of those 65 years and older will eventually require significant support and services for more than three years. 

For many who are trying to keep a loved one at home rather than place them in a care facility, experience challenges like sleep deprivation and constant worry. In an AAPR survey of caregivers, four out of ten said they rarely or never feel relaxed. Other problems created by caring for a loved one at home include having to drain savings and/or taking out equity loans to cover the costs of modifying the home to accommodate needs as well as paying for help. In cases like Alzheimer’s this can include around-the-clock care. 

The Journal article cites statistics from Genworth, a long-term-care insurance company, that states the national median cost of a home health aide, hired through an agency, is now $33 dollars an hour. In 2015 the same care cost $20 an hour. More surprising to many is the fact that when a person requires 24/7 care, the median cost is around $290,000 per year. Genworth says this is more than double the annual median costs of a private room in a nursing home and four times the annual median cost of a private room in assisted living. 

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we are honored to offer area seniors the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. The list of our retirement communities services and amenities is long and are intended to enhance quality of life and provide carefree retirement years. Our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides 38 one-bedroom or shared suites for trusted memory care for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. Contact us to learn more about availability and ask about our late summer savings.