Seniors who need to take several medicines may have difficulty keeping track of their prescriptions, and they can benefit from receiving help with medication management. Here are a few ways to ensure your senior loved one takes his or her medications correctly as prescribed.
List all of the prescription and over-the-counter medications your loved one takes, and include the trade and generic names and the dosage. Add the reason for the medication and the name of the prescribing physician. Eliminate any medications discontinued by the physician and see if any of the existing medicines need refilling. The medication list may come in handy in the event of a medical emergency.
From managing their medications to performing basic housekeeping tasks, seniors may need help with an array of activities. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable home care. Philadelphia families trust in Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Find out the appropriate dosage for your loved one’s medications. If the dosage seems too high, consult with your loved one’s physician. Check if any of the medications are potentially harmful. Some cardiovascular and pain medications have been deemed unsafe in recent years. Record the length of time the medications have been taken, since some medicines are only meant to be taken for a limited time.
While researching medications, list the side effects each medicine might cause. If you notice changes in your loved one’s health that may be the result of side effects, notify the physician. If a medication does not seem to be managing the medical condition it was prescribed for, bring this issue to the physician's attention.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Philadelphia elderly care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
When your loved one has a medical appointment, take the medication list along to ensure his or her records match yours. You might also consider doing the same with the pharmacist. Physicians and pharmacists are better able to determine possible dangers and medication interactions if they have a complete list of your loved one’s current prescriptions.
Make sure your loved one is taking medications as prescribed. If a dosage is forgotten or perhaps doubled, your loved one may experience ill effects. Daily medication reminders are a helpful way to keep track of dosages taken throughout the day. You can also purchase pill organizers that come in weekly or monthly sizes with compartments for medications taken up to four times each day.
Many seniors visit regular healthcare providers in addition to specialists.Physicians may prescribe medications without knowing what other medical providers have required, and some medicines may interact with one another. If you suspect a possible interaction with two or more prescriptions, speak with the prescribing physicians.
Helping a loved one with medication management can be a challenging task. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Philadelphia family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at (215) 645-4663 today.
