Simplifying Medication Management For Seniors
Simplifying Medication Management For Seniors
Whether you’re a loving family member, caring friend or neighbor, or a professional care provider for a senior, you probably know that medication management is one of the most challenging parts of caring for an older person. As independent older folks begin to need more help, it’s important for carers to efficiently and confidentially help manage medication needs.
Growing older comes with its own set of insecurities, and worrying about properly taking medication as prescribed is high on the list. Worry over medication management can cause a tremendous amount of anxiety and frustration for a senior who may be suffering from any number of other worries.
For families and healthcare professionals, taking this burden off of a senior should be a priority.
Here are some helpful ways to successfully and safely manage medication for seniors.
Ways to Organize Medication
There are several ways to organize medication. Find the one that works for your needs and personal style. If one way isn’t working, even if it’s commonly used by most other people, you should look at alternatives.
Pill Organizers
These handy little plastic organizers are available everywhere from dollar stores to hospital pharmacy shops. For some, they provide a quick and easy way to stay on top of which medications are to be taken on which day. Remember, they only work if correctly loaded weekly with the appropriate medications into the daily compartments.
Personal Labels
Prescription labels are often in small fonts (which doesn’t make sense considering the dwindling eyesight of seniors). Use a label maker to create personal labels for each bottle in a large font. Include the pertinent information, such as dosage and name. It’s also helpful to label according to what the medication does, such as “heart medication” or “blood pressure.” Never remove the original label from a bottle of prescription medication. The extra label can be applied to the lid or adhered in a place that doesn’t cover the important details.
Create a Medication Station
All you need is a folding table, countertop space, or a basket to gather all medication in one place. Remember to put bottles back in place if you remove them from the station for use.
Keep a Medication List
Maintain a list of medications that are being taken, along with the dosage. This list should be updated whenever medications or dosages are adjusted. Make sure to date the list at the top, with the senior’s name on it. Bring the list to all doctor appointments and provide it to any physician doing doctor house calls for seniors. This way, all professional care providers have an updated accounting of all medications being taken, which will greatly reduce the odds of contraindications from prescribed medications.
Use Checklists
Memory loss is common in older aged persons. One of the things a senior will often worry about is whether they took a certain medication that day. To alleviate this worry, post a checklist on the refrigerator or someplace where it can readily be seen. A whiteboard works very well for this tactic. Then, each time a medication is taken, put a checkmark next to it. Even when a caregiver isn’t present, the senior can look and have their worry alleviated. Make sure to wipe the board clean for each new day.
Dispose of Outdated Medication
Out-of-date medication loses its effectiveness. Check pill bottles at least once a month to make sure you aren’t keeping outdated medication around. Dispose of expired medication by bringing it back to a physician’s office for correct disposal at the next appointment. Never just flush it down the toilet, as this pollutes the water system.
Plan for Refills
Unfortunately, pharmacies being unable to refill a prescription due to understocking is not uncommon. Notify the pharmacy as soon as possible when you know that you’re going to need a refill. This will give them days, not hours, to get the needed medication in-house. Do the same if a call to the prescribing doctor is going to be needed. Busy nurses can better call in prescriptions when they are given a day or so to take care of refills. Never let it go so long that you run out of a medication entirely.
Prescription medication may be vital to the health and longevity of a senior in your care. Consider these methods to simplify medication management so all relevant parties can feel better and more confident about handling this critical part of senior care.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Thank You to Our Guest Writer:
Dr. James C. "Jimmie" Williamson
Author Bio: Dr. James C. “Jimmie” Williamson is Chief Behavioral Health Officer for Your Health, a physician group that delivers primary and specialty care to seniors in South Carolina and Georgia. Dr. Williamson has an extensive career in higher education and economic development, including leadership roles as President of both the North Carolina Community College System and the South Carolina Technical College System. He played a key role in forging university transfer pathways and attracting major employers such as Volvo Cars and Mercedes to South Carolina. A published author and dedicated community leader, Dr. Williamson holds multiple advanced degrees, serves on numerous boards, and has been honored with several awards for professional achievement and civic contributions.
Photo Credit: freepix.com
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Alternatives for Seniors
Alternatives for Seniors is a print and online directory that specifically caters to the senior living and personal care concerns of senior citizens and their families.
When the time comes to find Senior Housing for yourself or a loved one, turn to Alternatives for Seniors.
We offer nationwide information on senior housing, care and services. Search online at: AlternativesforSeniors.com anytime - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
AlternativesforSeniors.com
Visit the Alternatives for Seniors website to begin searching for the perfect home.
Housing options include: Senior Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Nursing/Rehab Centers or explore your options such as Adult Day Centers or in-home assistance like Home Care and Hospice.
Alternatives for Seniors Directories
Request a copy or copies of our print directories here.
Or you can view Print Directories online here.
Social Media
Also, be sure to join our Facebook community and follow us on Twitter and Pinterest.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Alternatives for Seniors helps seniors, senior care professionals, and senior living communities nationwide.
SOURCES
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/medicines-and-medication-management/taking-medicines-safely-you-age
https://dailycaring.com/medication-management-for-seniors-10-safety-tips/