The older your parents get, the more likely they will have multiple medications to manage. Finding the right tips to help your senior mom or dad can be tricky. Elder care may help your seniors stick to a routine or keep an eye on what medications they’re taking. Elder care may not be able to handle medication. Still, they can surely help your senior know when it’s time to take a specific medication, which can be crucial in medication management.
People between the ages of 65 and 69 take an average of 15 prescriptions annually. In comparison, those between the ages of 80 and 84 take an average of 18 prescriptions annually, as the American Association of Consultant Pharmacists reported. Whoa, that’s a lot of pills to count! If your senior is having trouble keeping up with medicines, consider using these suggestions for medication management. Here are some tips that may help your seniors manage their medications.
Create a List for You and Your Senior to See
For starters, you should have an understanding of the current medical situation. Construct a list of the drugs you’re taking, preferably with the support of your pharmacist. You should keep track of the drugs you’re prescribed, including their names, strengths, and dosing schedules.
Always Talk to Your Doctor About Medications
Take your medication list when you see your primary care physician or drugstore. It’s best to continue with the same pharmacy over time so that your pharmacist can keep track of all your medicines and understand your whole treatment plan.
Make Groups Based on Instructions
Some prescriptions should be taken upon awakening, while others should be taken a few hours after a meal. It is excellent if all your prescriptions have comparable instructions and can be taken simultaneously. If not, classify the drugs so that you know when they should be taken.
In addition, notice that when the directions for a drug state that it should be taken on an empty stomach, they usually indicate one hour before or three to four hours after a meal. And if a drug demands that it be taken with food, you may take it with a full meal or a small snack, such as fruit or crackers. If you have any queries regarding your medicines’ directions, visit your pharmacist.
Buy a Pill Planner
You are undoubtedly familiar with pill organizers, which make it easier to remember when and which medications to take. If you’re unfamiliar with this helpful device, investigate your possibilities until you locate a pill organizer that meets your specific demands. Your loved one may also benefit from writing out a schedule to take each pill or buying a calendar to mark which days they took certain medications.
Set Alarms for Reminders
If you often forget to take your meds, set a reminder on your smartphone. When the alarm sounds, promptly take your prescription. Suppose you are in the midst of anything. Press “snooze” to get another reminder in a few minutes.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Elder Care in Belmont, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
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