Ways to Assist Your Elderly Parent in Monitoring Their Medication in Hot Springs, AR

Adhering to medicine regimens appropriately and safely is a nationwide issue that affects people of all ages, especially older people. Studies show that 1 in 5 prescriptions are never completed and that almost 50% of newly given drugs are taken inappropriately.

Seniors who suffer from cognitive or memory difficulties may find it challenging to adhere to diverse dosage regimens for several drugs. 

Medication can treat or lessen sickness, extend life, and enhance the quality of life, but if taken improperly or ignored, it can have serious adverse effects.

To find out how we can help your loved one age in place in Hot Springs, AR, call 501-321-4900! 

Understand Your Aging Loved One's Medication Schedule

To stay on track, your loved one must take their prescriptions as directed by a physician and the suggested timetable. 

Ensure you understand the prescription's purpose and that your loved one takes it as prescribed. Examine all labels and related materials, speak with the physician or pharmacist, and make sure you understand the directions your loved one has to follow. 

If your loved one sees multiple doctors, you must complete their prescriptions at the same pharmacy. This allows the pharmacist to look for any potential drug interactions or overlaps. Asking the pharmacist to perform a medication reconciliation is a good idea whenever a new prescription is added or at least once a year to examine the drugs and find any overlaps or potential interactions. 

Kindly speak with your loved one's physician or pharmacist to determine whether the prescription regimen and dose might be simplified. The doctor can prescribe medications at a different dosage that can be taken less frequently or concurrently with other medicines to decrease the number of times your loved one needs to remember to take them. 

Seek a Sustainable and Friendly Medication Reminder System

Your older loved one may benefit from the following helpful advice in remembering to take their medications:

Use a pill organizer.

Using a pill organizer can make arranging medications easier. If the container is challenging to open, move the medicines to the organizer. Help your loved one complete the weekly organizer. Find out whether the neighborhood drugstore sells blister packs for taking medicines simultaneously. These packets aid in keeping prescriptions organized.

Relate medicine to everyday activities

Seek opportunities to create a schedule. For instance, your loved one could take their prescription in the morning or at night when brushing their teeth. This might change depending on when the drug is taken and whether food should be had before or after it. Always heed the advice of your pharmacist or doctor.

Make a checklist

The directions may get increasingly complicated as the number of medications rises. Make a written checklist or grid once a week to keep track of medications and doses. 

Set alarms on phones and alarm clocks.

You may use a prescription reminder app on your smartphone or call your loved one to remind them to take their medication. Several free programs offer refill reminders, interaction alarms, and the ability to share prescription checklists and adherence statistics with others. 

Check on your loved one's pills for accurate amount

Create a backup medication verification method, like pill counting, to ensure your loved one takes their meds on time. 

Hire a professional caregiver from Visiting Angels Hot Springs

If your senior still struggles with medication management, even with a sound system, having a professional caregiver at their side may be beneficial. A committed Visiting Angels caregiver may provide additional assistance to ensure your senior is comfortable and secure. 

Schedule a FREE In-Home Consultation with Visiting Angels Hot Springs

Visiting Angels Hot Springs's competent in-home care services ensures your seniors won't worry about forgetting to take their medications. When it counts most, your loved one will receive the companionship and support of a trustworthy in-home elder care provider.

For further information, contact our Hot Springs, AR, office!