Eldercare Specialist Offers Free Medicine Cabinet Checklist

Firm offering list to caregivers as first step in reducing adverse drug reactions, the fourth leading cause of death among senior citizens.

(PRWEB) June 2, 2005 -- With over two million senior citizens being hospitalized and 200,000 dying each year due to adverse reactions to drugs, Parent Care is suggesting a starting place to reverse this accelerating trend -- seniors medicine cabinets. The information provider to progeny of seniors is offering free access to a comprehensive safety checklist during June.

While its well known that mixing certain prescription drugs with others can potentially be harmful, research also indicates that some over-the-counter medications, even seemingly benign foods and beverages can be equally lethal when combined with medications. To help avert these dangers, the firm is making complimentary copies of its comprehensive checklist available to elder care providers. The firm suggests making separate lists for each senior and providing a copy to every physician and pharmacist assisting the senior.

One of a series provided to the firms subscribers, the downloadable list is available free on the Parent Care website, www.parents-care.com, throughout the month. Instead of listing only prescription drugs, the list also includes space for over-the-counter drugs including vitamins, supplements, ointments and creams that seniors might be using. It advises caregivers to first collect all the seniors medications -- from bedside, purses or car, wherever they might be stored and inspecting each container. Space for names and phone numbers of health care providers is also provided. The checklist also prompts caregivers to note if medications for more than one patient are stored in the same cabinet to alert professionals that asking further questions might be appropriate.

William Gillis, Parent Cares president, related the firms reasoning for the giveaway. I remember well the constant publicity surrounding last years flu vaccine shortage. Yet, flu is only the tenth leading cause of death among seniors. If we can serve as a catalyst in drawing attention to this more ominous lurking danger, we will be elated."

In addition to providing copies to health care professionals, the firm also recommends placing a copy in the seniors purse or wallet. This could prove helpful in emergencies since some research indicates that seniors have difficulty listing all medications used when visiting emergency rooms. Gillis noted Only health care professionals can provide medical advice. However, they can provide the best advice only when they have complete information. Our checklist can help serve that purpose."

About Parent Care, Inc.
Parent Care specializes in providing information to the daughters and sons of senior citizens, especially those providing long distance care. Parent Care, The Parent Care Report and The Parent Care Channel are registered trademarks of the firm.

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