Understanding the Dangers of Sleep Medications for Seniors

April is National Parkinsons Awareness Montha time to elevate understanding around a condition that affects nearly one million Americans and countless families. Parkinsons disease is a progressive neurological disorder that impacts movement, coordination, and mood, often creating daily challenges for both those diagnosed and their care partners. At Premier Care Management of Florida, we meet those challenges head-on with a specialized service model known as the Parkinsons Disease Coach Approach.Introducing the Parkinsons Disease Coach Approach Our Parkinsons Disease Coach Approach is a personalized, client-centered model designed to empower individuals and families living with Parkinsons. Delivered by Certified Premier Care Managers, this program provides expert coaching, care coordination, and proactive planning to reduce crisis events and improve quality of lifeespecially during times of transition, like hospitalization, rehab stays, or returning home.A Holistic and Compassionate Support System What sets our approach apart is its focus on the whole person. We begin with a comprehensive Parkinsons assessment that includes motor and non-motor symptom evaluation, medication review, cognitive screening, and functional analysis. We then conduct a full home safety assessment, identifying fall risks, recommending adaptive equipment, and improving medication routines. Everything is tailored to each clients unique needs, values, and goals.Advocacy When It Matters Most Parkinsons medications must be taken on a precise schedule to remain effective, especially during hospitalization. Our care managers advocate directly with hospital staff to ensure proper medication timing and prevent the use of contraindicated drugs. We also coordinate smooth discharge plans, ensuring continuity of care whether clients are transitioning to rehab, returning home, or considering long-term care options.Emotional Support and Family Coaching Living with Parkinsons can bring changes in mood, behavior, and family dynamics. Thats why our program also includes emotional support for both clients and caregivers, coaching calls to guide decision-making, and education around topics like freezing episodes, fall prevention, and disease progression. Families gain clarity, confidence, and peace of mind knowing theyre not facing this alone.Connected, Collaborative, and Client-Driven We work closely with neurologists, primary care providers, therapists, and other specialists to make sure everyone involved in your care is on the same page. From managing appointments and insurance details to connecting families with trusted local resources, our team ensures that nothing slips through the cracks.Who Benefits from This Program? Our Parkinsons Disease Coach Approach is ideal for individuals newly diagnosed with Parkinsons, those transitioning between care settings, families overwhelmed by coordination responsibilities, or clients facing cognitive or behavioral changes in later stages of the disease. Its also a lifeline for individuals who dont have a local advocate during hospital stays or complex medical decisions. At Premier Care Management of Florida, we are honored to walk alongside Sarasotas seniors and families impacted by Parkinsons. With expert advocacy, education, and support, our Coach Approach helps clients preserve their independence and live with confidence at every stage.To learn more or schedule a free consultation, contact us today. Were here to be your partner in this journey. Serving Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, and surrounding communities 941-400-2387  www.PremierCMFL.com

As we age, taking medications often becomes a part of everyday life. Whether it's for managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis, these medications are necessary to keep us healthy. But for many seniors, the cost of prescriptions can be a major concern. With a fixed income, paying for medications can sometimes feel like a financial burden.One solution that has been helping seniors save money is something called Cost-Plus Pharmacy.  Let us explain what Cost-Plus Pharmacies are, how they work, and how they can make a big difference in lowering medication costs for seniors.What is a Cost-Plus Pharmacy?A Cost-Plus Pharmacy is a type of pharmacy that operates a little differently from the typical drugstore you might be familiar with. In most pharmacies, the cost of medications is marked upsometimes by a lot. This markup helps the pharmacy make a profit, but it also means youre paying more for your prescriptions than the pharmacy actually paid for the drugs.On the other hand, a Cost-Plus Pharmacy sells medications at a price thats closer to what they paid for them, plus a small, reasonable markup. The idea is to be more transparent and fair about pricing. This can help lower the price you pay for your medications, which is great news for seniors, especially those who take multiple medications.How Does a Cost-Plus Pharmacy Work?To keep things simple, think of it this way: lets say a pharmacy buys a medication for $10. A traditional pharmacy might sell that same medication to you for $20, marking it up by $10 in order to make a profit. But in a Cost-Plus Pharmacy, instead of doubling the price, the pharmacy may only add a small amountmaybe $2 or $3.So, instead of paying $20 for that medication, youd only pay $12 or $13. That small difference can make a big impact when youre taking multiple medications each month.One of the best things about Cost-Plus Pharmacies is that theyre open about their pricing. They usually show customers exactly how much they paid for each medication and how much they are adding as a markup. This transparency helps you understand exactly what youre paying for, making it easier to see that you're getting a fair deal.Why Is This Important for Seniors?Many seniors take several medications to manage chronic health conditions. The cost of these medications can quickly add up, and its not always easy to find affordable options. For those on a fixed income, like many seniors, paying for medications can become a financial struggle.For example, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the average senior spends about $1,200 per year on prescription drugs. That number can be even higher for those who take multiple medications regularly.Medicare Part D can help with some of these costs, but it doesnt cover everything. Plus, there are gaps in coverage, like the "donut hole," where seniors must pay full price for their medications after reaching a certain spending limit. This leaves many seniors paying high out-of-pocket costs for their prescriptions.Cost-Plus Pharmacies, such as Blueberry Pharmacy, aims to fix this problem. By offering lower prices on medications, these pharmacies can help seniors save money, making it easier to afford the medications they need without breaking the bank.How Can Cost-Plus Pharmacies Save Seniors Money?There are several ways that Cost-Plus Pharmacies help seniors save on their medications.1. Lower Prescription PricesThe biggest advantage of a Cost-Plus Pharmacy is that medications are sold at a lower price than what youd find at a traditional pharmacy. Rather than charging extra fees or high markups, these pharmacies focus on offering a fair price. For example, a medication that may cost $50 at a typical pharmacy could be priced at $35 or less at a Cost-Plus Pharmacy. Thats a savings of $15 on just one medication! If you need several medications, these savings can really add up over time.2. No Hidden FeesAt many regular pharmacies, you might find that your prescription comes with extra chargesdelivery fees, processing fees, or other hidden costs. These fees can make your final bill higher than you expected. Cost-Plus Pharmacies are often more transparent about their pricing. Theyll give you an exact breakdown of the cost, so you know what you're paying for. This way, you avoid any unpleasant surprises when its time to check out.3. Affordable Generic MedicationsGeneric medications are often much cheaper than brand-name drugs, but not all pharmacies carry affordable generics. Many Cost-Plus Pharmacies focus on offering a wide range of generic medications at lower prices. For seniors, choosing generic drugs is one of the easiest ways to save money without sacrificing quality. Cost-Plus Pharmacies make it easier to access these more affordable options.4. Special Programs for SeniorsSome Cost-Plus Pharmacies offer special programs to help seniors save even more money. For example, they may have senior discount programs or loyalty cards that give you even deeper discounts. Some pharmacies also offer free home delivery, which can be a huge help for seniors who may have trouble going to the pharmacy in person.5. Fewer Prescription ErrorsPrescription mistakes can be costlynot just in terms of money, but also in terms of health. If a pharmacy gives you the wrong medication or makes an error on your prescription, you may need to go back to correct it, which can add more time and money to the process. Because Cost-Plus Pharmacies tend to offer more personalized service and fewer customers, they often have fewer mistakes and are able to fill prescriptions more accurately. This can save you both time and money in the long run.As the cost of prescription medications continues to rise, finding ways to save money on those medications is more important than ever. For seniors, a Cost-Plus Pharmacy such as Blueberry Pharmacy can be a great option to lower prescription costs without sacrificing quality or service.By offering lower, more transparent pricing, Cost-Plus Pharmacies are helping seniors save money on the medications they need. Whether youre looking for a more affordable pharmacy in your area or you want to try an online option, these pharmacies can make a real difference in your healthcare expenses.If youre a senior or care for one, its worth looking into a Cost-Plus Pharmacy such as Blueberry Pharmacy. With a little research or by contacting us directly, you could be saving money on your prescriptions every month, making it easier to stay healthy without stressing about the cost. Reach out to us today!

The typical person in their later sixties and older takes several medications for chronic conditions. These may be drugs to regulate blood sugar, thyroid, blood pressure, cholesterol, allergies, mood, or any of hundreds of other mild-to-serious conditions. Your comprehensive blood panel is your and your doctor's way of monitoring the effect of the drugs prescribed, as well as whether they're working or not or if they may be interacting with one another. And, besides, you're changing. How do we know you're changing? You're aging. Your liver and kidneys break down and eliminate drugs from your body, and your liver and kidneys are aging. You may lose muscle and gain fat, affecting how drugs work. All of this can complicate the effectiveness of meds and, especially important, create harmful side effects. So, consider these medication tips  after you see your doctor. 1. Take Medicine as Prescribed with Regular Discussions with Your Health Care Provider On that all-important visit with your doctor, be involved. The doctor or nurse should ask you if your meds have changed or if you've stopped or started either prescribed medicine or over-the-counter drugs or supplements. They all count! If you're taking something prescribed by another doctor that's not on your primary's list speak up. Take only prescription meds your health care provider has prescribed. None of this, "Here, try one of mine" from your golf partner. Taking someone else's medicine can be very dangerous. This is particularly true of pain medication, which could worsen your condition or cause addiction. You probably know opioids are highly addictive but are not the only ones. The interaction of drugs is unpredictable. Your doctor has the proper outlook on your entire series of medications. Please don't stop taking or skip prescribed medications because you think you don't need them anymore, feel they've stopped working, or think they're causing a side effect. Consult your doctor about any side effects. Take side effects seriously. In the United States, 125,000 people die annually from incorrectly taking their medications! Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider about ways to help you take the proper dosage on time every time. It's typical to forget to take your meds. But it's not okay. Many antibiotics must be taken after the infection stops or after you stop feeling the symptom. Hence the instructions to take every dose until they're gone. If you're a family member or caregiver reading this, please provide the person under your care with prefilled pillboxes and automated reminders attached to pill bottles, or subscribe to a pill packaging service that sorts, packages, and delivers by individual dose. 2. Store Your Meds Safely and Keep Current Keep all medicine up and away from children, wherever you store them. Around 10,000 children are accidentally poisoned by prescription meds every year, and a child dies every 12 days from such poisoning. If you have questions about safely storing your medicines, contact your pharmacist or health care provider.Store meds in a safe, cool, dry place. A high drawer reserved for medications in a dresser or cabinet is good. Be careful that meds that need to be cooled are stored in the fridge, but give them a shelf where children can't reach them. There will be storage instructions on the bottle. Due to fluctuating heat and humidity, a bathroom medicine cabinet may be the worst place. Even if meds are not expired, improper storage can render them ineffective or unsafe.Remember we talked about how you're changing as you age? So is your medication. If you have an old bottle of aspirin that's been haunting the top shelf of a kitchen cabinet for a couple of decades, don't use it. Some meds lose their effectiveness, but others can degrade into toxicity. Check the expiration dates. There are proper ways to dispose of unused medications. Throwing them in the trash is not one of them. Discarded drugs can end up in the water supply and may be eaten by wildlife or pets. See any disposal instructions that may be on the side of the bottle. Many pharmacies have disposal sites where you can drop the old drugs. You can search for "medication disposal sites" or see the FDA's webpage that instructs you on the options of disposing of meds.3. Be Aware of Potential Medication Interactions and Side Effects, Even Unexpected InteractionsGrapefruit juice is always good for you. Here's something you may need to learn about grapefruit juice. The grapefruit has these beneficial enzymes that naturally protect it from the effects of insects and other harmful stressors. Unfortunately, these same enzymes inhibit the breakdown of certain medications in the human stomach, making some drugs ineffective or even toxic. So, what's good for the grapefruit is only sometimes suitable for the patient. Don't let this stop you from enjoying your morning grapefruit. Ask your doctor because this has been studied, and there's a list of drugs more likely to interact. And we only bring this up to illustrate how seemingly harmless or good-for-you foods and supplements can seriously interact with your medication. Ask your doctor about any potential adverse interactions.Prescription drugs can affect each other dramatically. For example, nitroglycerin, which treats angina, should not be taken with many erectile dysfunction medications, including Viagra and Cialis, because serious interactions can occur. Your pharmacist can also advise you about potential medication interactions and side effects.You may also have a medical condition that makes a particular medication risky. Again, your healthcare provider armed with your health record, a physical exam, and blood work is the best call here. Even herbal supplements you get off the shelf at the grocery store, though you're free to take them without a prescription, can interact. It may surprise you, but 40 percent of the drugs behind the pharmacist's counter are derived from plants used as natural remedies since ancient times. Grapefruit juice is used to prevent gout attacks, for example. Go figure. So, supplements are drugs, too, and they deserve the same caution as prescription meds when mixed with others.Not surprisingly, alcohol is a common offender. The NIH warns that "mixing alcohol with certain medications can cause nausea and vomiting, headaches, drowsiness, fainting, or loss of coordination. It also can put you at risk for internal bleeding, heart problems, and difficulties in breathing." In other words, alcohol, whether it has sedative or stimulant effects on any person, should be considered a drug when taking other medication. If you're experiencing something you suspect is a medical condition, such as memory loss or difficulty, dizziness, or sleepiness, particularly for seniors, the medication may mimic the symptoms. Before you skip or stop taking the meds, consult your doctor. Ask your healthcare provider if any new health problems you are experiencing could be due to your medications at your regular physical. 4. Keep a Medication List There are many good reasons to keep a list of your current medications besides remembering which ones you're taking. Making a list is an excellent excuse to go through your cabinet or drawer and collect all your medicines. You can check duplicates and expired prescriptions (Don't mix expired medications with new ones!), find out if you need to take one you've forgotten about, and add any non-prescription medicine or supplements (including vitamins) you need to update your doctor on.Keep the list with you. And keep it current. Give a copy to a friend or relative for sure your emergency medical contact person in case of emergency and when you're traveling. Note any medicines you're allergic to or have had bad reactions to. Wear a medical alert bracelet for severe medicine needs (like insulin) or allergies. Store your medication list on your cell phone in a notepad app. If you're fortunate enough to have a healthcare provider who has your prescription record online, this can save you a lot of headaches when filling out medical forms even at the dentist. These forms almost always ask for the dosage, too, so those should be included. A medication list should include the following:Your prescription medicine's brand name or generic name.Over-the-counter medication, herbal preparations, and supplements that you take regularly or on occasion.Condition you're treating with the medication.The dosage (for instance, 300 mg).How often do you take it?Anything you're allergic or reactive to.The phone number of your pharmacy.Most people see more than one provider. Even if they don't ask, share your list with each provider and ensure it's updated at each visit. It's okay to suggest it to your provider, and it's essential, and it would be worth scheduling an annual review of medications with your primary care physician.Some meds are expensive, and sometimes there are generic alternatives. It also matters which insurance you use and where the pharmacy might get the medicine. These days, a good pharmacy can check the price of drugs from one provider or another. Using prescription discount cards (they're free) also can get you a surprising discount sometimes. Ask your healthcare provider if there is a less expensive, effective alternative.Also, tell your doctor if the medication doesn't work. If you're taking pain medication, it should lessen the pain. It could be a simple fix. New drugs are being developed all the time. Your primary physician is the one to ask. They may say it's safe to try it. Before you try a new brand-name pharmaceutical, you know the price. A drug that costs two dollars in its generic form may be $600 in its brand version.