National Talk About Prescriptions Month & Medication Management
If you’re over the age of 40, it’s likely that you take at least one prescription medication. The likelihood of being prescribed a medication to help manage chronic conditions increases as you enter your golden years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly 69% of adults age 40 and above take at least one prescription medication. Research conducted by the Lown Institute shares that over 40% of older adults now take five or more prescription medications.
Although modern medicine offers us a more promising future in regards to our health, sometimes having too much of a good thing can be detrimental. October is National Talk About Prescriptions Month, otherwise known as Talk About Your Medicines. Although its purpose is to promote communication between patient and healthcare provider, it also provides an opportunity for adult children to start a conversation about medication management with their aging parents. This is an important topic, especially when an adult child transitions to a caregiving role for their aging parents. Here are four ways Talk About Prescriptions Month helps caregiving children manage medication.
Provides Educational Resources
National Talk About Prescriptions Month provides an abundance of educational materials and resources that can help caregiving children. From understanding proper medication usage to learning about potential side effects, this month is all about empowering family caregivers. The more family caregivers understand their aging loved one’s medication regimen, the better they are equipped to ensure their loved one adheres to the routine and the more confidence they gain in managing their loved one’s prescriptions. Did you know that Wisconsin offers a program for older adults who need help paying for prescription medications and vaccines? Learn more at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Improves Communication Skills
Another significant way this month helps caregiving children manage their loved one’s medications is that it improves their communication skills. This month emphasizes the importance of open communication between family caregivers and their loved one’s healthcare providers. Family caregivers should feel comfortable reporting any changes they notice in their aging loved one, especially if their loved one recently began a new medication. The National Institute on Aging provides a list of questions family caregivers can use to initiate a conversation with their loved one’s healthcare provider about medication usage.
Enhances Safety Awareness
In addition to encouraging open communication between family caregivers, aging loved ones, and their healthcare providers, this month also highlights the significance of medication safety. This includes taking medications as prescribed, proper storage and handling of medications, and safe disposal of expired or discontinued medications. Taking a few moments to familiarize yourself with your loved one’s medication regimen minimizes risks and ensures that your loved one takes their medication correctly and safely. For proper disposal of your loved one’s medications, the Wisconsin Department of Health provides locations to local permanent drug drop boxes.
Facilitates Support Networks
Finally, National Talk About Prescriptions Month often offers opportunities for family caregivers to connect with others at community events or online forums. Whether it’s checking out a local family caregiver support group or signing up for a local caregiver class, these connections can provide practical tips and invaluable support for family caregivers. Connecting with others in similar situations helps family caregivers develop a sense of community, making managing medications feel a lot less overwhelming. If you’re interested in getting connected with a local caregiver support group, the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Fond du Lac County provides a list of caregiver support programs and resources in the area.
Another local resource for family caregivers is Visiting Angels Fond du Lac. We provide affordable home care that is customized to meet your loved one’s individual needs. What sets us apart from the competition is our flexibility to adapt to changes in schedule and needs, our ongoing communication and monitoring, and our exceptional professional caregivers who assist with empathy and compassion. Our caregivers can help in a variety of ways, including providing medication reminders. Many family caregivers utilize our services in conjunction with the care they provide personally. This allows us to alleviate some of the caregiving burden while family caregivers take a much needed break. To learn more about our home care services, please contact us today by calling 920-375-5555.