Tips to Help Your Aging Loved One Keep Track of Medication in Benton, AR
A national issue impacting individuals of all ages, particularly the elderly, is proper and safe medication adherence. Research indicates that nearly 50% of newly prescribed medications are taken incorrectly, and 1 in 5 prescriptions are never filled.
Seniors with cognitive or memory impairments may struggle to manage multiple medications with different dosing schedules. Medication can heal or alleviate illness, prolong life, and improve quality of life, but it can have severe side effects if misused or neglected.
Call us at 501-321-4900 to learn how we can assist your loved one in Benton, AR, while they age in place!
Understand Your Aging Loved One's Medication Schedule
Your loved one should take their medications as prescribed and according to the recommended schedule to stay on track.
Ensure your loved one takes their medication as directed and that you understand its meaning. Review all labels and accompanying documents, and consult with the pharmacist or doctor to ensure you know the instructions your loved one should follow.
It's essential to fill your loved one's prescriptions at the same pharmacy if they see multiple doctors. This helps ensure the pharmacist can check for potential interactions or duplications. It's a good idea to ask the pharmacist to conduct a medication reconciliation at least once a year, or whenever a new prescription is added, to review the medications and identify any overlaps or possible interactions.
Please consult with your loved one's doctor or pharmacist to inquire about simplifying the dosages and schedules for their medications. The doctor can prescribe medicines in a different dosage that can be taken less frequently or at the same time as other drugs, reducing the number of times your loved one has to remember to take their pills.
Look for a Friendly Medication Reminder System That's Sustainable
The following practical tips can help your elderly loved one remember to take their medications:
Use a pill organizer to get ahead
Medication planning can be simplified using a pill organizer. If the container is difficult to use, transfer the medicine to the organizer. Assist your loved one in filling out the organizer weekly. Check if the local pharmacy offers blister packs for simultaneous medication intake. These packs can help maintain medication organization.
Make a checklist
The instructions may get more difficult as the quantity of medications rises. Make a weekly written checklist or grid to track prescriptions and doses.
Relate medicine to the everyday activities of your loved one
Look for opportunities to establish a routine. For example, your loved one could take their medication while having breakfast or brushing their teeth at night. This may vary depending on the medication's timing and whether it should be taken with or without food. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's advice.
Check on your loved one's pills for accurate amount
Establish a second medication verification procedure, such as pill counting, to ensure your loved one adheres to their medication schedule.
Set alarms on phones and alarm clocks
You can remind your loved one to take their prescription by calling them or setting up a prescription reminder app on your smartphone. Many free applications provide refill reminders, interaction alerts, and the option to share prescription checklists and adherence data with you.
Hire a professional caregiver from Visiting Angels Benton
Having a professional caregiver by your senior's side can be helpful if they still have trouble managing their medications, even with a sound system. A dedicated Visiting Angels caregiver can offer extra support to ensure your senior's comfort and safety.
Schedule a FREE In-Home Consultation with Visiting Angels Benton
Thanks to Visiting Angels Benton's skilled in-home caregiving services, your elders won't have to remember to take their meds. When it matters most, your loved one will have the company and assistance of a dependable elder care provider at home.
