7 Tips to Simplify Medication Management

 One of the many tasks given to caregivers, is the management of medication. 

People, as they age, tend to be on multiple medications. 

75% of people 45 or older are taking prescription medications, with an average of four

Some medications come with complicated instructions (do not eat an hour before taking this; take with a full glass of water; take half in the morning, etc.) that can make scheduling, reminding, and managing more difficult with time.

Here are 7 ways to simplify medication management and make life just a bit easier for you and the one receiving care:

1. Make a list of questions you would like answered when you visit yor doctor or pharmacist

Make sure you compile a list of specific questions so that when you visit your health care professional you won’t forget to ask.

Common questions can be:

  • Can I combine some of my medications (some medications are combination medications that contain 2 , 3 or even 4 medications in a single tablet. - a bit like a multivitamin has many vitamins in a single tablet)
  • Can I get on generic versions of a medication to save money
  • Can I lower the number of times I take a pill. ie dies it need to be twice daily can it be once daily


2. Take a list of medications with you everywhere.

If there is a complication, a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency medical professional will need to know what medications your loved one's is taking, or what they might need in order to treat serious conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. You could also use an app on your smartphone called Medadvisor (see 5. below)


3. Get a pill box or ask the pharmacy to prepare a blister pack

It may seem cliched or silly, but even older patients without difficulty remembering their schedules will have an easier time managing meds when they are separated by day or even by time. Even better, you can fill it for them and check it, so that even if you are not there each day you can make sure they get their meds daily.


4. Associate taking a pill with a normal daily activity.

If you always take a pill before brushing your teeth, even if you forget, brushing your teeth will remind you because your brain will be missing an important step in a routine. Establishing this routine with a loved one--taking it with lunch, or with a morning cup of tea--will help you both remember medications and their appropriate routines.


5. Find applications that will keep the schedule for you, and keep track of your health and possible symptoms.

Most of us now own smartphones. There are apps available on smartphones such as Medadvisor that will help you remember which medications you are taking and remind you when to take them


6. Remind, check, and double-check.

As you get older you may begin to experience forgetfullness so even seemingly "with it" elders may forget medications from time to time. This is not necessarily a serious medical issue, but it could become one, 


If you are a caregiver, remind the one receiving care to take medications and how to do so. Then, check that they have done it. Double-check later, to make sure that the person took the right medication the proper way. This may be a phone call or a gentle in-person conversation.


7. Know what to do if a dosage is skipped or taken improperly

Ask your doctor or pharmacist what to do if a given medication is missed or taken when it should not be. Some medications have serious risks associated with improper dosages, and some are less risky. Knowing what to do will help you quickly resolve the problem of noncompliance with medicines.


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