Medication schedule poses serious challenge

    A: That is very common amongst our senior population. Whenever possible, you should accompany your grandmother to her doctor visits to confirm understanding of the medication regimen and possible side effects. That will allow you to follow up with both her understanding and adherence to the medication schedule. However, dementia or other factors often make it necessary for someone to administer the daily medications to ensure they are taken as prescribed. Such responsibility can be challenging for many family members due to the times and frequency of the medications prescribed. Certain home care agencies have programs available that will provide nursing visits to administer medications in addition to communicating with the patient’s physician, ensuring accuracy in dosage, frequency and desired results.
    Q: I care for an elderly relative, but I am planning a trip next fall. A friend of mine told me about respite care. What is that exactly?  ~ Meredith Volpe, Bristol
    A. Respite care is temporary care that allows a caregiver a short-term break. Home care agencies offer staff on a daily basis or overnight to ensure that your family member is getting the care he or she needs in your absence.
    Q: What are ADLs and IADLs and what do long-term insurance companies require for reimbursement? ~ Susan Hawking, Providence
    A: Activities of daily living or ADLs are the basic tasks essential for day-to-day functioning, including bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, mobility and toileting.
    Instrumental activities of daily living or IADLs include activities such as shopping, paying bills, cleaning, laundry and meal preparation. Long-term care insurance providers often draw the real distinction. They will typically require that deficiencies are found in two to three ADLs before coverage will be granted. IADLs are secondary to ADLs due to the hierarchy of activities. For instance, if an individual cannot walk, the person will not be able to go shopping.

    David DiFilippo is the owner of Concord Home Health Services, which specializes in in-home personal assistance such as errands and medication management, as well as skilled nursing services and rehabilitation. Submit questions to kparkcompass@trmcomm.com.