The Desire to Stay at Home
Most older adults want to remain in their own homes as they age. Staying at home provides comfort, independence, and dignity. But one factor that can quietly put this goal at risk is the use of certain high-risk medications. These are medicines that may be appropriate for some people but are known to cause more side effects and complications in older adults.
What Are “High-Risk Medications”?
Doctors and pharmacists often refer to the Beers Criteria — a list developed by experts to highlight medications that may be potentially harmful for seniors. These medicines aren’t always “bad” or unsafe, but in older adults, they can sometimes do more harm than good.
- Examples include:
- Sleeping pills (like benzodiazepines) that increase fall risk.
- Strong pain medicines (such as certain opioids) that may cause confusion or dizziness.
- Anticholinergic drugs (used for allergies, bladder problems, or depression) that can affect memory and thinking.
- Certain diabetes or blood pressure medications that may drop sugar or blood pressure too low.
Why This Matters for Aging at Home
- Taking high-risk medications increases the chances of:
- Falls and injuries – which can lead to hospitalization or loss of independence.
- Confusion or memory problems – making it harder to manage daily routines.
- Hospital visits – from side effects, drug interactions, or complications.
When medications are safer and better managed, older adults are more likely to stay stable, avoid preventable health crises, and continue living independently at home.
What Seniors and Families Can Do
- Ask about safer options: Whenever a new prescription is given, ask the doctor or pharmacist, “Is this medication on the Beers list? Is there a safer alternative?”
- Review medications regularly: A yearly “medication check-up” with a pharmacist can catch problems before they become serious.
- Watch for warning signs: New dizziness, memory problems, or frequent falls may be linked to medications. Don’t ignore them.
- Simplify regimens: The fewer medications, the lower the risk of dangerous interactions. Deprescribing — carefully stopping unnecessary medicines — can be just as important as starting new ones.
- Keep a current list: Having an updated list of all prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements makes it easier for healthcare providers to spot risks.
The Role of Families and Communities
Families, caregivers, and community health programs can play a powerful role in promoting medication safety. Encouraging seniors to ask questions, seek regular reviews, and explore safer alternatives helps build confidence and security at home.
Final Thought
Aging at home depends on more than grab bars or ramps — it also depends on what’s in the pillbox. By paying attention to high-risk medications and using resources like the Beers Criteria, families and healthcare providers can help seniors stay safe, healthy, and independent where they most want to be: at home.