Most people who are over age 50 take at least one prescription medication per day, and the number of daily meds a person takes generally rises as he or she gets older. When multiple medications are taken at different scheduled times throughout the day, it’s easy for seniors to lose track of their prescriptions, and they run the risk of missing pills or taking too many. In addition, multiple medications may interact with each other or with supplements and over-the-counter treatments. There are several dangers related to poor medication management, but here are a few tips for how family caregivers can help their senior loved ones monitor daily prescriptions.
Be Proactive
It’s important for seniors to keep lists of their regular medications with them at all times, and they should include prescriptions, supplements, and non-prescription drugs. Seniors should present their health care providers with their medication lists at each appointment, especially if being treated by more than one physician. Fortunately, many large health care networks are linking information within their systems so multiple providers have access to their records. This reduces the risk of prescribing drugs that may interact with each other.
Medication management can be difficult for older adults with serious health issues such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Establish a Regimen
There are several different approaches seniors can take in an effort to stay on track with their medication schedules. Trying different methods through trial and error can help individuals find regimens that work best for their routines. Some suggestions include:
- Setting a recurring alarm on a clock or cell phone for medication times
- Keeping prescription bottles where dishes are stored as a reminder if pills are taken at mealtimes
- Using a pillbox that separates daily doses
- Marking days on a calendar as a reminder to refill prescriptions
An experienced professional caregiver can be a great resource when you’re creating systems to manage your loved one’s medications. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior care. Edmonton families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Enlist Help
There are times when seniors may be unable to manage their medications and treatments due to problems such as dementia and loss of mobility. Closely monitor your loved one’s ability to manage his or her regimen and step in when necessary by offering help or enlisting professional care. Professional home care can be a great resource and provide seniors with medication reminders as well as help with household tasks and personal care activities. Medication management should always be taken seriously, especially with prescriptions that can have fatal effects if they’re missed or taken in higher doses than prescribed, such as:
- Heart medications
- High blood pressure pills
- Insulin and oral diabetic medications
- Sedatives
- Pain medications
A trained professional caregiver can monitor your loved one’s medication schedule and much more. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Edmonton, AB, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Home Care Assistance at (780) 490-7337 today.