Managing your Loved Ones Medication

There comes a time when you realize that your loved one may not be able to manage their own medications. This may become a reality quickly or it is subtle when you observe indications that your loved one is having difficulty taking their medications.

You may notice signs that they may not be able to physically manage their pills due to arthritis or shaky hands. Opening and closing the bottles may become difficult. They may be confused as to which medications to stop or start based on new prescriptions. Failing eyesight may present a challenge in figuring out which pill is which. Your loved one may not be taking their medication as prescribed. To complicate matters your loved one may not know what time of day to take their medication or whether it is taken on an empty stomach or with food. All these are signs that it is time to get involved.

So, what are the vital things you need to know?

Educate Yourself

Create a list of your loved one's current medications including any over the counter medications and supplements. Remember to date it so you always have the most updated list. A visit with them to the doctors can confirm which ones they are taking, and which ones have been stopped. Many offices and hospitals have online apps that make the information more accessible. The pharmacist is another source for information. Record what your loved one is allergic to or any reactions to medications. Learn why a particular medication is being taken. The medication guide that comes with the prescription supplies information about side effects, what the medication does, drug interactions, how to store, prescribing doctor, when to take it and much more. Record the generic and brand name of each medication. Note the description on the bottle about the color and shape of the medication. Educating yourself will help you, help your loved one stay healthier and possibly avoid hospitalizations.

Organize, Organize, Organize

It’s crucial for caregivers to stay organized when juggling multiple medications. Here are some tips that can help make medication management easier:

Fill the pill organizer for more than a week. Sometimes it is helpful to use a two-week pill organizer to keep track of daily intake. Using a one-week organizer requires you to organize the medication more often. Use the medication list you created when filling the pill organizer. Having a list will ensure that you do not distribute something that may have been stopped and feel confident that the correct medications were placed in the pill organizer. It also helps ensure that any other caregivers or an emergency-response person can easily find the information. When filling the pill organizer, stay focus. Leave multitasking for another time. Staying focus reduces mistakes.

Another time-saving possibility is presorted pill packets delivered directly from a pharmacy. Many major chains offer a 30-day supply, with each packet holding all pills to be taken with each dose.

There are also many technology-based pill organizers and dispensers that can help you plan. Explore what is out there by talking to the pharmacist.

The responsibility of dispensing a loved one's medication cannot be overstated. Your education, organization and communication with their health providers will reduce errors and allow you to ask the type of questions that need to be addressed to keep your loved one in good health.

I would love to hear from you. What system do you have in place to manage your loved one's medication?