In America, it is estimated that one in five mature adults will experience a medication error in their lifetime. These errors can have dangerous consequences, ranging from minor side effects to hospitalization or even death.
In assisted living communities, where residents often take multiple medications per day, it is crucial to avoid these errors. Here are five of the most common medication errors and how assisted living communities can help prevent them.
Over-medication
One of the most common medication errors is over-medication, which occurs when a person takes more medication than they need. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as accidentally taking two doses of the same medication or taking a higher dose than prescribed. Over-medication can lead to serious side effects like drowsiness, confusion, and falls.
In assisted living communities, over-medication is prevented by having team members who dispense medications and monitor residents for signs of over-medication. If a resident does accidentally take too much medication, they can provide them with the appropriate care and support.
Under-medication
Under-medication occurs when a person does not take enough of their medication or skips doses altogether. This can be due to forgetfulness, difficulty affording the medication, or simply not understanding how important the medication is.
Under-medication can lead to a worsening of symptoms or complications from the underlying condition.
Similar to how team members prevent over-medication, they can also prevent under-medication in assisted living communities. After all, they are there to assist residents with the dispensing of medication and help build a consistent medication schedule.
Wrong Medication
Another common error is taking the wrong medication altogether. This can happen if one is prescribed multiple medications which confuses them, or if they are given someone else’s medication by mistake.
Taking the wrong medication can have serious consequences, including interaction with other medications, allergies, and overdose.
In assisted living communities, this error is prevented by having team members who are well-trained and experienced in providing appropriate care and support for residents. At the same time, ensure they are only consuming the right medication when necessary.
Food Interaction
Certain food can interact with medications, making them either less effective or more potent. For example, grapefruit juice is known to interact with many medications, including statins and blood pressure medications. This interaction can lead to serious side effects, such as dizziness and digestive problems.
Assisted living communities can prevent this error by having team members who are knowledgeable about medication interactions. They can educate residents on which foods to avoid and help them make necessary changes to their diet.
Wrong-route Errors
Wrong-route errors occur when a medication is taken by the wrong route, such as inhaling instead of swallowing a pill. This error can have serious consequences, as it can cause the medication to be less effective or even toxic.
In assisted living communities, this error is prevented by having team members who are experienced in administering medication. They can ensure that residents are taking their medication correctly and help them if they have any questions.
Conclusion
Medication errors are a serious problem, but they can be prevented. Assisted living communities can play a vital role in preventing these errors by having team members who are knowledgeable and experienced in providing care.
In addition, assisted living communities, like Morada Grand Prairie, can educate residents on medication safety and help them make necessary changes to their diet.
