VISITING ANGELS JENKINTOWN, PA 215-938-7201
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Medication Management Techniques for Seniors

Medication Management Techniques for Seniors

The majority of the older adult population regularly takes at least one prescription medication. Approximately 80 percent of older adults take at least two prescription medications and nearly 40 percent take as many as five prescription medications a day. These statistics don’t account for supplements and over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers or vitamins. 

Recent medication statistics reveal that 41 percent of Americans admit to having been involved with a medication error. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, as many as 55 percent of older adults take their medications incorrectly. 

It is important for all older adults and their families to develop a medication management system that prevents medication errors. Mismanaged medications can lead to serious injury or death. Here are four medication management techniques for seniors that you can implement today. 

Review Medications with Your Doctor 

Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to review all of your medications. Bring a list of all medications that you take on a regular basis, including supplements and over-the-counter medications. Review each medication with your doctor and ask if any can be eliminated. Also, discuss if the current dosage is still appropriate for your condition and age. After reviewing your medications, ask for a print-out of your current medication regimen. Display this in your home so you can refer to it as needed. Take the list to each doctor appointment and update it as needed. 

Use an Appropriate Pill Box

Pill boxes are efficient tools to help seniors remember to take their medications. They can eliminate any doubts about whether you took your prescription medications that day or not, as long as they’re used appropriately. Look at your medication list and determine which type of pillbox you need. If you have specific morning or evening pills, purchase a pill box with AM and PM slots. If you must take a certain pill before bed or first thing in the morning, purchase a separate pill box that you can leave in the bathroom or on your nightstand to help remind you to take your pills. Once a week, fill your pill box according to your doctor’s recommendations.

Choose a Primary Pharmacy 

Choosing a primary pharmacy is another medication management technique that helps keep seniors safe. Pharmacies keep records of each customer’s prescription medications. As a pharmacist fills your prescription, they review your current medications and check for potential drug interactions. A pharmacist can review your prescriptions with you before you leave to ensure you completely understand the instructions and dosage. They also look for potential drug allergies. Should your doctor have missed something, they can call their office and have a medication changed. 

Ask for Help 

A final medication management strategy for seniors is to ask for help. Ask a family member to review your pill box each week to ensure you haven’t missed something. If you forget to take your medications, ask a family member to call or text you every day. You can also use technology to set up medication reminders. Set a daily reminder or alarm on your smartphone. Alternatively, you can set a reminder on a smart home device, such as a smart speaker. 

Another medication management strategy for seniors is to partner with Visiting Angels Jenkintown. We understand that each senior is unique. That’s why we create a custom care plan for every senior we serve. Before beginning home care, we meet with you and your family to determine your care needs and how we can best care for you. Whether it’s assistance with light housekeeping tasks or personal care, our compassionate caregivers make it possible for many seniors to age in place. Our caregivers can also provide medication reminders to help seniors take their medications in the correct doses and at the right time. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 215-938-7201. 

Serving Jenkintown, Abington, Huntingdon Valley, Glenside, Chestnut Hill, Flourtown and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels JENKINTOWN, PA
1250 Greenwood Ave #1A
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Phone: 215-938-7201
215-938-7202
Fax: 215-887-7204

Serving Jenkintown, Abington, Huntingdon Valley, Glenside, Chestnut Hill, Flourtown and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels JENKINTOWN, PA
1250 Greenwood Ave #1A
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Phone: 215-938-7201
215-938-7202
Fax: 215-887-7204