5 Medication Management Tips For an Aging Loved One
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It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of helping an aging loved one manage their medication. But there are a few small adjustments you can make to simplify the process and help you make sure your friend or family member is getting the medications they need, without the stress.
Keep reading to learn 5 medication management tips for supporting an aging loved one at home.
Keep a Clear and Simple Schedule
To make sure your loved one knows what medications they need, and when, make them a medication schedule that’s easy to follow.
You can use a written chart or digital reminder system (depending on their preferences with technology) to help them track their doses and be aware of any special instructions. Put the schedule in a place they check often, like on the front of the fridge or on their bedside table.
Use a Pill Organizer
If your loved one takes a lot of medication, getting them a weekly pill organizer will prevent them from being confused about which medications they’ve already taken that day.
Pill organizers are affordable and widely available online. Buy one with labeled compartments for morning, afternoon, and evening doses to make your loved one’s routine as simple as possible.
Buy Prescriptions From an Online Pharmacy
When your friend or family member has multiple illnesses that need to be managed, it’s essential that they get access to their medications on time, but they might not be able to make frequent trips to the pharmacy.
In this case, it’ll make more sense for you to order their repeat medication from a reputable online pharmacy like www.hightownpharmacy.co.uk, saving everyone’s time and ensuring their prescriptions arrive when needed. Many online services offer automatic refills delivered straight to your home, so your loved ones are less likely to run out of their important medications.
Watch for Side Effects and Interactions
The more medications a person takes, the more at risk they are of side effects and interactions between the different drugs.
Your loved one might be unaware of these risks, so make sure to stay alert for any unusual symptoms they mention or changes their in behavior. Some medications cause dizziness, drowsiness, or digestive issues, which can increase the risk of falls or discomfort. If something seems off, check with their doctor or pharmacist.
Keep Emergency Contacts Handy
Finally, while we don’t like to think that the worst will happen, it’s always good to be prepared just in case.
Make sure your loved one has emergency phone numbers in an easy-to-access place, such as on the wall next to their house phone. These could include numbers for their doctor, pharmacy, and any caregivers who help with their medication routine. If they experience a reaction or mix up their doses, having easy access to their contacts means they can act quickly.
Takeaway
Staying organized and proactive will reduce the stress involved in managing your loved one’s medication. Following the tips in this guide will help you keep them safe and ensure they take the right medication at the right time.
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