Senior Safety: 7 Medication Management Tips

It can be challenging for our aging loved ones to remember if and when they’ve taken their medication, especially if they have several prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs at home. But taking medication at the right times, in the right doses, is essential for seniors’ health and wellness.

Your loved one may want to stay in control of their medications, but they might be worried about keeping track of everything. With our seven medication management tips, you can help them stay safe, healthy, and informed.

1. Keep all medications in one place.

Research shows that 87 percent of older adults take one prescription drug, 36 percent use five or more medications, and 38 percent take OTC drugs. Keeping track of all these medications may be difficult for your family member, especially if their pill bottles are scattered throughout the house.

But putting all your loved one’s medicine and supplements in one place (like their nightstand or kitchen counter) can help them feel less overwhelmed. Try gathering all their pill bottles into a clear storage bin or gallon-sized plastic bag. Along with keeping their medications organized, your family member will know at a glance what they’re taking.

2. Store all medicine and supplements properly.

Although many bathrooms have a medicine cabinet above the sink, that’s actually not a great place for your loved one’s pill bottles. Medications should typically be stored in a dry, room-temperature spot, not in a place prone to moisture and heat (like a bathroom). But your family member’s nightstand or kitchen counter are safe storage options.

For any prescriptions that require specific storage, like refrigerating insulin or eye drops, just follow instructions from your loved one’s doctor and pharmacist. Finally, make sure you keep all their medication away from pets and children, even if the bottles have childproof caps.

3. Maintain a current list of their medications.

Knowing exactly which medications your loved one is taking will help them avoid negative drug interactions (unexpected side effects). An excellent way to do this is by creating a record of their medicines and updating it when necessary.

This medication list should include:

• Each prescription, OTC medication, and supplement your loved one takes
• How often they take each item
• Dosages for each drug
• Contact information for the healthcare provider(s) who prescribed each medication
• Symptoms each item is supposed to treat
• Whether each drug is for short-term or long-term use

You’ll also want to review this list of medications with your loved one’s doctor every so often. This is a great time to let the doctor know how the medicine is working for your family member, and mention any side effects or concerns they’re experiencing.

4. Pre-sort their medicine for the week.

Organizing your loved one’s medication ahead of time lets them feel prepared for which supplements, prescriptions, and medicines they’ll take throughout the week. You can do this with a seven-day pill organizer, preferably one with compartments for different times and days. This is helpful if your family member takes a dose of one medication in the morning, and a dose of another medication in the evening.

If you need to split your loved one’s pills, do this ahead of time. Then, they won’t have to worry about remembering to split them or using a pill cutter when it’s time to take their medication.

5. Plan ahead for medication refills.

For long-term prescriptions, it’s important to order refills on time so your loved one always has the medication they need. You can ask their doctor for a 90-day supply through a mail-order pharmacy, or one with delivery services. Then, you only have to remember to re-order every few months, and the medication will come right to your loved one’s door.

If delivery services aren’t an option for your family member’s pharmacy, just mark the refill dates on your calendar so you can order and pick up their prescription(s) on time. An in-home care professional can also help with prescription refill and delivery services, saving you time as you continue helping your loved one stay healthy at home.

6. Make sure you understand the usage instructions.

Following medication instructions lowers the risk of harmful drug interactions, as well as common side effects like dizziness or an upset stomach. If you or your loved one don’t understand something about a prescription, an OTC drug, or a supplement, don’t be afraid to ask the doctor or pharmacist! It’s their job to answer questions and provide the right medication to help your loved one stay healthy.

If your family member accidentally strays from these instructions (like missing a dose or taking an extra pill), try to stay calm — but call their doctor if you’re worried. The doctor will guide you on how to help your loved one avoid or cope with any negative side effects. You can also double-check for harmful drug interactions at Drugs.com.

7. Set up a medication reminder system.

Medication reminders can help your loved one take their medicine consistently (at the same time each day, with or without certain foods, etc.). You can create a simple chart with their medication names, dosages, and days/times, then check a box as your family member takes each dose. Tech-savvy seniors can also set alarms on their mobile phone or use a medication management app, like this one from MediSafe.

Medication management is challenging for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, since they may forget about their prescriptions or supplements. You’ll need to remind them to take their medications in the right dosages. An in-home care expert can also assist you with medication reminders, so your loved one takes their medicine consistently and correctly.

By following these medication management tips, you can keep your loved one safe, independent, and healthy at home.

Managing your family member’s medications, prescription refills, and doctor’s appointments isn’t always easy — especially when you have work and/or your own family to take care of. An in-home care professional can help you and your loved one by:

• Pre-sorting your family member’s medicine
• Managing a list of their medications
• Filling and picking up prescriptions 
• Administering medication when necessary
• Disposing of expired medicine
• And more

Safe-T Home Care is an in-home care agency in Monticello, Indiana. We provide transportation, financial planning, and other services so your loved ones can stay safe and independent at home. For more information, visit our website or like us on Facebook.