5 Medication Management Tips for Seniors
About 80% of seniors take at least two types of medication regularly, and 36% take five or more different prescription drugs every day. With so many meds to manage, it can be easy for older adults to forget to take them or ingest the wrong doses.
Seniors need to manage their medications properly. However, older adults with dementia or other cognitive impairments may struggle to do so. In-home caregivers can help manage a senior’s medication, ensuring they never miss a dose or a refill.
Medication Management Tips for Caregivers & Senior Clients
There are also some basic things that anyone can do to help keep medication management on track. They might seem like simple tips, but used together and in repetition, this can become a daily habit to medicating yourself or a senior in need of assistance.
1. Use Colorful Pillboxes
During hectic mornings, seniors may not remember to take their meds. A brightly-colored pillbox in the middle of the kitchen countertop is hard not to notice. Pillboxes keep daily medications organized and act as a visual reminder for seniors to take them.
Buy a pillbox that fits all of your daily medications for the week. Set a reminder on your phone or make a note on your calendar to restock your pillbox every Sunday.
2. Store All Meds in the Same Location
Keep every bottle of your prescriptions in the same area. This makes it easier to find your meds. It can also prevent stress from not knowing where your medications are. You can store your medication in your bathroom cabinet or on the sink. Consider keeping your meds in a basket in a corner of your kitchen counter. Having them in a visible, accessible location makes finding and taking your medications easier.
3. Keep Your Refills on Track
Older adults might forget to refill their medications before the current ones run out. Seniors must stay on top of their refills to ensure this never happens. Set a reminder on your phone to refill your prescription. In-home caregivers can also remind you when it’s time to order your refills. Refill your medications as soon as possible to avoid interrupting your regimen. This can negatively impact your health.
4. Understand the Side Effects
Before starting a new medication, talk about the potential side effects with your doctor. It’s also important to learn how new meds will interact with the ones you are currently taking.
Print out a cheat sheet of all possible side effects for each prescription drug you take. Hang this on your fridge. This way, if you experience any strange symptoms, you can quickly identify what meds might be causing it.
5. Have an Updated List of Your Pills
Keeping a list of all medications you’re on is essential in the event of an emergency. The list is always on hand for your caregiver or relative to give to doctors to review.
Get Help with Your Medication
Visiting Angels of Scranton, PA, can assist you with medication management. Our in-home caregivers can remind you to take your meds and refill prescriptions. They can also help with light housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, or transportation to the doctor’s office or pharmacy.
Contact us today at (570) 800-5270 for more information.