On Friday, October 4th, 2024 at the Inglewood Senior Center, BrightStar Care proudly participated in the Stay Safe Series alongside H.E.L.P., a non-profit organization committed to Helping Seniors Live Productively. H.E.L.P’s mission is to provide free education, counseling and resources to older adults and their families to help them live their best lives (Home - HELP). In accordance with their mission, this informative presentation aimed to shed light on a pressing issue affecting our senior community: the growing dependence on opioid medications, the risks of medication mismanagement, the dangers of combining with other substances and some tips for prevention.
A Timely Topic
As the opioid crisis continues to evolve, it is crucial for seniors and their caregivers to stay informed about the risks associated with opioid use. Medical mismanagement can lead to serious patient harm, including hospitalization and even death in severe cases. According to the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), 1.5 million people are injured annually by medication errors, and 30% of hospitalization of older adults are drug-related. 14,716 deaths were related to prescription pain relievers in 2022 and over-dosing on opiates is the second-leading cause of death in the U.S. each year.
This public awareness event brought together a diverse audience, including seniors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals all eager to learn and share insights on this critical issue. Our partnership with H.E.L.P. underscores our dedication to enhancing the well-being of seniors in our community. The presentation provided valuable information on the risks of medication mismanagement and how to safely manage and recognize the signs of potential misuse.
This public awareness event brought together a diverse audience, including seniors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals all eager to learn and share insights on this critical issue. Our partnership with H.E.L.P. underscores our dedication to enhancing the well-being of seniors in our community. The presentation provided valuable information on the risks of medication mismanagement and how to safely manage and recognize the signs of potential misuse.
Brightstar Care provides medical support at home
Brightstar Care uniquely offers skilled medical in-home services with registered nurses (RNs) who can help manage medications, unlike most home care agencies. BrightStar Care is known for its commitment to quality home healthcare, provides nurse-supervised services and has always emphasized the importance of education and prevention. We offer targeted programs for high-risk clients suffering from Alzheimers, dementia, and other memory loss, providing specialized support that goes beyond what competitors typically offer.
Key Highlights from the Presentation
The presentation covered several important topics, including:
1. Understanding Opioids: Participants learned about what opioids are, how they work and interact with the brain, their legitimate medical uses for pain management, as well as the risks associated with long-term use.
2. Medication Mismanagement: The discussion emphasized common pitfalls in medication management, such as forgetting doses, taking medications at the wrong times, or mixing medications without consulting healthcare providers.
3. The Dangers of Combining Medications: Attendees were informed about the severe risks of combining opioids with other substances, including alcohol and some over-the-counter medications and even certain foods. The potential for harmful interactions was a central focus, as was the importance of open communication with healthcare professionals.
4. Resources for Help: The session also highlighted local resources available for seniors, including counseling services, support groups, in-home care services and educational materials, empowering attendees to seek help if needed.
5. Tips to aid with prevention: Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about ALL medications – prescriptions, supplements, over-the-counter medications. Ask them questions about how to take the medication, including with or without food, and follow instructions carefully. Set a reminder, develop a routine and keep track of the quantity and timing of taking medications, with a medication log or weekly pill box as examples. Seek help if you suspect addiction to pain medication.
2. Medication Mismanagement: The discussion emphasized common pitfalls in medication management, such as forgetting doses, taking medications at the wrong times, or mixing medications without consulting healthcare providers.
3. The Dangers of Combining Medications: Attendees were informed about the severe risks of combining opioids with other substances, including alcohol and some over-the-counter medications and even certain foods. The potential for harmful interactions was a central focus, as was the importance of open communication with healthcare professionals.
4. Resources for Help: The session also highlighted local resources available for seniors, including counseling services, support groups, in-home care services and educational materials, empowering attendees to seek help if needed.
5. Tips to aid with prevention: Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about ALL medications – prescriptions, supplements, over-the-counter medications. Ask them questions about how to take the medication, including with or without food, and follow instructions carefully. Set a reminder, develop a routine and keep track of the quantity and timing of taking medications, with a medication log or weekly pill box as examples. Seek help if you suspect addiction to pain medication.
Community Engagement
The event fostered a sense of community as participants engaged in discussions, shared personal stories, and asked questions. It was heartening to see so many people committed to learning about this vital issue and supporting one another.
BrightStar Care team members were on hand to provide additional resources and answer questions about in-home healthcare options for seniors dealing with chronic pain or medication management challenges. We believe that informed caregivers and family members are crucial allies in the fight against medication misuse. Our rigorous caregiving training and certification, along with nurse-supervision and real time monitoring, ensure delivery of medical and caregiving services to a higher standard of care.
H.E.L.P. is conducting additional educational events in the month of October, including senior scams and fall prevention classes. Events - HELP.
BrightStar Care team members were on hand to provide additional resources and answer questions about in-home healthcare options for seniors dealing with chronic pain or medication management challenges. We believe that informed caregivers and family members are crucial allies in the fight against medication misuse. Our rigorous caregiving training and certification, along with nurse-supervision and real time monitoring, ensure delivery of medical and caregiving services to a higher standard of care.
H.E.L.P. is conducting additional educational events in the month of October, including senior scams and fall prevention classes. Events - HELP.
Moving Forward Together
As we concluded the presentation, it was clear that raising awareness about opioid use and medication management is not just a one-time effort. It is important to continue to raise public awareness, advocate for continued dialogue, the importance of asking questions and seeking out professional assistance or support. The Stay Safe Series is an ongoing initiative that aims to empower our community with knowledge and resources.
At BrightStar Care, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of our seniors and their families. We encourage everyone to stay informed, communicate openly about medication concerns, and seek help when needed.
For more information on upcoming events in the Stay Safe Series or to learn more about BrightStar Care’s services, please visit us at 1327 Post Avenue, Suite J in Torrance, CA 90501 or contact us directly at 310 944-6985 or go to our website at Torrance / Manhattan Beach, CA In-Home Care Provider & Medical Staff
At BrightStar Care, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of our seniors and their families. We encourage everyone to stay informed, communicate openly about medication concerns, and seek help when needed.
For more information on upcoming events in the Stay Safe Series or to learn more about BrightStar Care’s services, please visit us at 1327 Post Avenue, Suite J in Torrance, CA 90501 or contact us directly at 310 944-6985 or go to our website at Torrance / Manhattan Beach, CA In-Home Care Provider & Medical Staff