Like you, there are several things I take for granted. When travelling I assume my pilot will get me safely from a to b and when sick I assume my doctor will diagnose and treat my ailment.

However there's one big difference-- to remain safe in the first instance, I am a passive passenger but in the second, it's in my best interest to be a very active participant.

But since an estimated 50% of all prescriptions are not taken properly in Canada, it seems we aren't as actively involved as we should be in the use of our prescriptions!

Over 80%of seniors still living at home have been diagnosed as having a chronic health condition such as arthritis, rheumatism, high blood pressure . . . And so it's not surprising that seniors proportionately take more prescription and over-the counter drugs than any other age group, accounting for 13% of our population but using as much as 40%of prescription medications. While the average Canadian fills 13 prescriptions a year, people in their 60's and 70's fill about 35.

Sadly, incorrect prescription use is a key reason for emergency room visits by seniors and one of the main reasons for entering a nursing home.

If seniors and boomers with aging parents want to postpone the start of their care-years, one rule is simple: Pay close attention to prescription drug use!

The prescription? Do I know?

- The correct name of each of my medications

- Exactly why I'm taking each

- What colour each pill is

- If using long-term, if it's still appropriate

- If it comes in tablet, capsule, liquid--preference

- If I can crush tablets/open, dissolve capsules in water to take them

- If taking multiple prescriptions, if the new one is safe to combine with others

- If herbal remedies, vitamin supplements are OK with my meds

- Are there alternatives--is this prescription intended to replace others

- When I should start feeling better

- What to do if I miss a dose

- What the side-effects are: unsteadiness, drowsiness, headaches, irritability

- Under what circumstances I should stop taking it

- If on a restricted diet, did I mention this (may affect the brand of drug given)

- If using a dosette or blister pack is better for me to prevent forgetting

- When/how should I safely stop each medication

- When the next review of my medications is scheduled (dosages may need changing)

Instructions?

- Do I understand the instructions fully (what does 'take as directed' mean)

- Do I need the label on the pill bottle to be in larger type (not block capital letters)

- Did I request an information sheet describing how to take each medication

- Did I get a duplicate copy of the medication label put onto the information sheet (it's hard to read directions on a pill bottle)

- Should I take my med with, before, or after food

- How long before or after food should I take my med

- Can I take my med with anything other than water

- What foods should I eat while on the med (e. g. if on diuretics, foods with potassium, prunes, yogurt, potatoes, bananas)

- What foods should I avoid while on each med (e. g. blood pressure medications, a low-salt diet, avoid canned soups, prepared luncheon meats, ketchup . . .)

- Can I consume grapefruit/its juice (can alter effects of some drugs)

- Will alcohol get in the way of my med doing what it is supposed to do/are there side-effects (these signs can be misattributed to aging or dementia)

- What if I run out

- Are there ways to make my routines simpler (switch to medications taken less frequently)

- Why a particular med was stopped

- What should I do with pills not needed any more (take to a pharmacy, waste depot)

Do I?

- Sit/stand while taking my meds (not lying down) to work faster

- Sip water prior to taking a pill (lubricates for swallowing)

- Remove prescription drugs that are old, check the expiry dates on non-prescription drugs

- Ask questions even if rushed, feeling embarrassed

- Keep a written record of all my meds, name, type, amount, doses, updated on note paper, handy in case of emergency ambulance calls

As of July 1, 2010, Albertans will have a new seniors' drug coverage plan--to obtain a fact sheet about that plan and how it will affect you financially, call toll free 310-0000.

Remember, "Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them" Albert Einstein, 1879-1955.

My best wishes, Patty

Patty Randall Is Widely Considered A Leading Authority On Care And Seniors In Canada. She Is A Professional Speaker, Media Commentator, And Author Of "Let's Talk--The Care-Years . . . Taking Care Of Our Parents/ Planning For Ourselves" A First-Of-Its Kind Guidebook, Written By A Canadian, For Canadians. For More Information, Visit Her Website www.longtermcarecanada.comOr Contact Her At pattyr@ telus.net

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