Essential Tips for Managing Medications for Aging Loved Ones in Chattanooga
One of the things that people who take prescription medications cannot afford to get wrong is managing their medication.
Taking medication as prescribed is essential; however, for those taking multiple medications, keeping track of the different schedules and dosages can quickly become confusing and overwhelming.
Taking medications on a proper schedule is of the utmost importance when it comes to staying healthy and avoiding complications that could result in a trip to the hospital.
In this guide, we will discuss some common challenges in managing medications for seniors, practical tips to make it easier, and ways that Visiting Angels Chattanooga can help.
Common Challenges in Managing Senior Medications
If your loved one or family caregiver is finding it difficult to keep track of their medications, you are not alone. Some of the common challenges that many seniors and their families face include:
- Remembering to take medications on time is a common issue, resulting in missed doses or double doses.
- Managing multiple prescriptions especially ones that have complex schedules that need to be taken at certain times, with or without food, etc.
- Preventing dangerous drug interactions due to medications interacting negatively with others if they are not carefully monitored.
- Ensuring proper dosage, particularly if they are liquid and need to be measured or pills that need to be cut.
- Limited mobility or cognitive decline can result in making it very difficult to self-manage medication.
Do any of these scenarios sound familiar? If so, continue reading for some practical advice to help make medication management a little easier.
Practical Tips for Safer Medication Management
While these tips do not guarantee that medications will be taken as prescribed, they can make it more likely that they will.
Use a Pill Organizer for Easy Tracking
Pill organizers are affordable for everyone; in fact, many doctors and pharmacists offer them freely, so there is no excuse not to use them. These handy gadgets allow you to sort and store medications by day and time in order to help reduce confusion.
Set Up Medication Reminders
By setting up alarms, alerts, or a medication reminder app, your loved one can be reminded about when it is time to take their medication.
Keep an Updated Medication List
It is important to always keep a current list of all of the prescriptions your loved one is taking, along with the dosages and the schedule, and to share this information with doctors and caregivers.
Schedule Regular Medication Reviews
One of the best tips we can offer for safer medication management is to regularly consult with a pharmacist or healthcare provider to review the list of medications that you or your loved one is taking and adjust the dosages as needed. This is particularly important each time a new medication is added or when one is discontinued.
Consider Home Care Assistance
The professional caregivers at Visiting Angels Chattanooga are well-versed in medication management and can offer reminders to ensure that your loved one is taking their prescriptions correctly.
Call Visiting Angels Today for a Free In-Home Consultation
Medication management is often something that seniors and their family caregivers find difficult to manage on their own.
The compassionate caregivers at Visiting Angels Chattanooga are happy to help provide medication reminders, assistance in getting medications and other tasks organized, and to provide support for seniors who need extra help with daily tasks.
We also offer respite care for family caregivers, offering them the break they need so they can focus on their other responsibilities.
For more information on medication management for seniors or to schedule a free in-home consultation, call Visiting Angels Chattanooga at 423-424-0944 or contact us online today!