If you’ve ever looked at a kitchen counter covered in different medications and thought, How am I supposed to keep all of this straight?, you are definitely not alone.
Managing medication at home can become one of the biggest responsibilities for older adults and the family members who care for them. It can be so easy to feel overwhelmed if prescriptions change, there are a bunch of different dosages, and if you have instructions about taking medications with food or at certain times of the day.
The good news is that there are ways and resources that can help make managing medication much less complicated. With a few simple habits and the right tools, it can help make this process less stressful and much easier to stay on top of.
Start with One Complete Medication List
One of the best things you can do is create one master list of every medication your loved one takes.
In this list, include all of their prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Be sure to write down the dosage and how often they need to take it. You can also write down the reason they take that medication. Keep this list updated and bring it with you to every doctor’s appointment.
Having everything in one place keeps the information organized and can help give their doctor a complete picture of the medication side of your loved one’s care.
Helpful Tools That Make Medication Management Easier
You don’t have to rely on just your memory alone. There are plenty of simple tools that can help keep medications organized as well.
Some of the most helpful options include:
- Weekly or monthly pill organizers
- Medication reminder apps
- Phone alarms or smart speaker reminders
- Printed medication schedules
- Automatic prescription refill services
- A notebook to track medication changes and side effects
You don’t need to use all of these – just find a system that fits your routine and stick with it!
Build Medication into the Daily Routine
One reason medications can get missed is that they aren’t taken at the same time every day. It can be much easier to remember to take or give medication when you connect with something you already do. Keeping it consistent, like taking the morning medications right after breakfast every day or evening medications become just a part of the bedtime routine.
Keeping the schedule as consistent as possible can help make sure that no dosages get missed, but it also ingrains a routine that feels more natural over time.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Medication instructions can be difficult to understand, especially at first when all of this information is brand new. It can even become more complicated if several prescriptions get added in over time.
If something doesn’t make sense or you need clarification, make sure to ask!
Your doctor or the pharmacist can explain everything from why this medication is needed, if there are any possible side effects, and when the best time of day to take it is. Taking a few extra minutes to ask questions now can help prevent bigger problems later.
Know When It May Be Time for Extra Support
There may come a point when managing all the medication becomes difficult despite everyone’s best efforts.
If you find that doses are being missed, medications are being taken twice, or you are confused about the prescriptions, then additional support might be helpful in your situation. For many families, this realization can feel emotional because you want your loved one to stay as independent as possible while also making sure they stay safe.
A community at The Gables helps to take some of that pressure off of families. Medication management in assisted living is one part of the personalized support that the residents receive.
Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
Managing medications at home is a routine that takes time to get used to. When you create a routine while using a few helpful tools, it can help you stay organized and make everyday life much more manageable for both seniors and their caregivers.
If this medication management is becoming more challenging than it used to be, it may be time to explore additional support. Our team at The Gables is here to answer your questions and help you determine what level of care is right for your loved one. Reach out to our team anytime to learn more about our senior living communities and the services we provide.
