Helpful Tips to Help Your Loved One Keep Track of Medication

Countless people across the nation rely on daily medications to maintain their health. However, many people have difficulty taking their medication each day. In fact, current data infers that nearly half of all prescription medications are not taken properly.

When a senior is prescribed multiple medications, it can become increasingly complex for them to track their medications. In addition, medication management for adults with dementia can be extremely challenging. If you’re wondering how to help elderly loved ones remember to take medications, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, our team from Visiting Angels of Chelsea will go over tips to track your senior’s medication and help them remember to take their medications on time.

Dedicated to Helping Seniors in Chelsea, MA

"I was taking care of a neighbor and I had to go on vacation and I didn’t know what to do. A friend referred me to Visiting Angels. I called them and they were able to assist me right away. I was extremely impressed with their promptness and the quality of care they provided to my neighbor. I highly recommend Visiting Angels to anyone who is looking for care for their loved ones."

Know About Your Loved One’s Medications

The first thing you should do to assist with medication management for seniors is to understand the medications they are taking. Talk to your loved one’s doctor about their prescription, learn about dosages and scheduling, and understand common side effects. Once you know more about your loved one’s medications, you’ll have a stronger grasp on how and when your loved one needs to take them.

Six Ways to Help Your Loved One Remember to Take Their Medications

Create a simple checklist for your loved oneChecklists can be great medication management tools for older adults. Simply create a checklist with each day’s medication and ensure that your loved one checks off the appropriate boxes as they take their medications.

Utilize a pill organizerPill organizers are also fantastic medication aids for elderly people. These little boxes contain seven labeled compartments for you to fill–one for each day of the week. This way, your loved one only needs to keep track of one container instead of trying to manage multiple pill bottles.

Make Taking Medication a HabitFind an event in the day that correlates to the time your loved one takes their medication and tie these together. For instance, your loved one could always take their medication after they are done with breakfast or after they brush their teeth before bed.

Set alarms on your loved one’s clock, watch, or cell phoneDigital reminders on watches, smartphones, and other electronic devices can help your loved one remember to take their medications. If using this method, remember to ensure that your loved one knows how to use these devices properly.

Count your loved one’s pills frequently to catch extra or missing dosesThis way, you can quickly spot if your loved one is missing doses or accidentally doubling up on their medications. With this knowledge, you can take action to ensure your loved one is taking their medications properly.

Hire a professional caregiverMany senior care providers can provide medication management for seniors. With Visiting Angels of Chelsea, your loved one can have a professional caregiver assist them in their home and remind them to take medications when needed.

Visiting Angels Offers Medication Reminder Support

At Visiting Angels, we provide in-home non-medical care to seniors in the greater Chelsea area. Our professional senior care providers can remind your loved one to take medications throughout the day while also offering other services such as help with bathing, grooming, dressing, cooking, and more. We can even provide your loved one with transportation to doctor visits and pharmacies.

A Trusted Name in Elder Care

We know that it can be daunting to trust another person to help your loved one with their medication. At Visting Angels of Chelsea, we hire only the most highly qualified candidates who are licensed, trained, and background-checked. When you Choose Visiting Angels to care for your loved one, you can rest assured that they are in capable and compassionate hands.

Schedule Your Free In-Home Care Consultation

Are you interested in learning more about how we can help your loved one remember to take their medications or the other ways in which we can assist? If so, simply contact us to schedule a free consultation! During this complimentary care evaluation, one of our caregivers can come to your home to speak with you about care options, scheduling, costs, and more. Reach out to us today at (617) 409-9039 or via our online contact form.