Seniors and their caregivers face many challenges regarding medication management. Fortunately, identifying problems such as organization and memory issues can help seniors find solutions that get the most out of their medication regimens safely and effectively.
Physical Problems
When visual acuity begins to decrease, it may become difficult for seniors to read labels correctly, which can result in incorrect dosing, and arthritis can make it difficult for older adults to open pill bottles. Pharmacies should be asked to dispense medications with large-print instructions in easy-to-open bottles so medications can be taken more easily.
Swallowing may also be difficult, and some seniors attempt to get their pills down more easily by crushing or breaking the tablets. This should never be done without the pharmacist’s approval because doing so can tamper with many pills and tablets that are designed to release medication slowly into the bloodstream. Many prescriptions can be dispensed in liquid form for easier swallowing.
From medication reminders to basic housekeeping chores, seniors may need help with an array of activities. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elder care. Families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Pillboxes
There are many varieties of pillboxes on the market, and they’re wonderful tools that can help seniors manage their medications. One type has a single box for each day of the week, and more involved designs have separate boxes for different times of the day. Innovative devices are available that combine pill dispensers with alarm systems that can be programmed to seniors’ personal medication regimens. For seniors who require additional assistance with medications, professional caregivers can provide medication reminders.
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 Clearwater senior 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.
Medication Lists
Keeping a detailed list of a senior’s prescriptions is a vital component of good medication management. The list should be taken to every doctor appointment, and a copy should remain on the refrigerator for reference in case of emergency. The important elements of a medication list should include:
- The person’s name and date of birth
- A list of all drugs, including prescriptions, over-the-counter remedies, and supplements
- The dosage and frequency
- Special directions, such as foods and liquids that should or shouldn’t be taken around the same time
- Allergies to medication and other substances
- Conditions such as diabetes and the presence of a pacemaker or defibrillator
- Emergency contact information, including relatives and attending physicians
Refills
Seniors might fail to refill their medications for several different reasons. Some aging adults forget about their refills, and others may not get their required medications due to financial problems. Marking a calendar can serve as a good reminder, and low-income seniors can be referred to agencies that may be able to help with medication costs.
Helping a loved one with medication management can be a challenging task. For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Clearwater, FL, Home Care Assistance is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (727) 330-7862 to schedule a free in-home consultation.