If your loved one is 65 or older, you're likely helping them manage multiple medications daily.
Managing medications for a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially since medications come with plenty of details to keep straight such as side effects, interactions and frequency of use.
These details can be just as confusing for your older loved one, so it’s important for you as their caregiver to feel confident in supporting them. These tips can make medication management a little bit easier for you and your loved one.
1. Follow Doctor’s Recommendations
Ensure that your loved one takes their medications exactly as prescribed, even if they feel better or don’t notice immediate improvements. According to a study by the FDA, about 50 percent of medications are not taken correctly by patients, and this can have devastating effects, especially for chronic conditions like heart problems, and mental health conditions like depression.
If your loved one tries to stop taking medication ahead of schedule, try to figure out why. They may be struggling with payments, pickup/delivery or even fear of side effects. You’ll need to work with them and their doctor to address this root cause.
2. Work as a Team
Effective medication management involves collaboration. Work closely with your loved one, their doctor, and pharmacist. Inform healthcare professionals if your loved one struggles with:
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Remembering to take medications
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Reading labels
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Understanding verbal instructions
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Opening bottles or handling medication devices
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Swallowing pills
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Scheduling different medicines throughout the day
3. Use Helpful Tools
Overcome common medication management challenges with these tools:
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Pill Boxes: Use a "days-of-the-week" pill box as a daily reminder.
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Medication Dispensers: Consider installing a medication dispenser that provides verbal reminders.
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Liquid Medications: Request medicines in liquid form if swallowing pills is difficult.
4. Monitor for New Symptoms
If new symptoms arise while taking a medication, contact the doctor immediately. Symptoms like excessive drowsiness, confusion, insomnia, loss of appetite and incontinence might be side effects or result from drug interactions.
5. Ask the Right Questions
When visiting the doctor or pharmacist, ask these essential questions:
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What is the name of the medicine?
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What is it supposed to do?
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Are there any side effects?
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What should we do if side effects occur?
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How should this medicine be taken?
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What should we do if a dose is missed?
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Are there any beverages, foods, or other medicines to avoid while taking this medicine?
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How should this medicine be stored?
By following these tips, you can simplify medication management and ensure your loved one’s health and safety.