National Talk about Prescriptions Month: Tips & Tricks to Manage Your Medications
If you’re over the age of 65, chances are you’re on some sort of medication regiment. A recent study published by the National Institutes of Health revealed that 40% of older adults take five or more prescription medications, and 90% of older adults take at least one prescription. As many as 55% of older adults take their medications incorrectly, according to this same study. Drug related fatalities continue to be on the rise, as evidenced by the opioid crisis our society faces today. The Food and Drug Administration estimates that 1.3 million people are
injured annually from medication errors. As family members to aging loved ones, we typically don’t think to question their medication regiment, especially if they are independent. Older adults might not even think about the different medications our doctors prescribe over time, nor know the right questions to ask at our appointments. Whether you’re in your sixties or nearing 100, taking prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and supplements should be treated with great caution. If you’re a caregiver to an aging loved one, you too should be aware of the dangers of mismanaged medications.
October is National Talk about Prescriptions Month. Here are a few tips and tricks to manage your medications, and a few conversation starters that you can have with your doctor, or your aging loved one.
Consult with Your Doctor
Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to review all of your medications. Bring every pill box, both prescribed and over-the-counter, as well as any herbal supplements you take, with you to your appointment. It’s possible that your doctor is not aware of every medication you take, especially if you see medical specialists to manage different medical conditions. Review each medication with your doctor and ask if any medications can be eliminated. Discuss medication interactions so that you don’t put yourself at risk. Discuss if the dosage is age-appropriate and if any medications are unsafe for seniors. Then, write down your current medication regimen and take a copy of it to each doctor appointment that you have in the future. Update it during each doctor visit and keep it in a prominent location in your home.
Utilize a Pill Box
Managing multiple medications, or even trying to remember if you’ve already taken your one medication for the day, is difficult for anyone, no matter what your age. Help eliminate the doubt by utilizing a pill box. Pill boxes are very common and a very effective way to manage medication. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some even offer morning and nighttime options. There are even smart pill boxes for the tech savvy senior. These pill boxes can link to your smartphone so that you and your loved one receive text messages to remind you to take your medication or alert a caregiver that a dose was missed. Not tech savvy? Set alarm clocks for the times when your next dose of medication is due to remind you to take that medication. If you are caring for an aging loved one, set up their bill boxes on a regular basis, then set reminders for yourself so that you can call to check in with your loved one.
Establish a Routine
Once you’ve reviewed your medications with your doctor, it's time to develop a routine so that taking your prescriptions becomes a natural part of the day. If you have specific medications that should be taken first thing in the morning or right before bed, consider placing that medication or pill box in the bathroom, where you’ll be sure to see it. If you have medications that are to be taken with food in the evening, put the pill box on your kitchen counter. Establishing a routine around when you need to take your medications helps you avoid missing a dose or doubling up on a medication. Before you realize it, taking your medications will become second nature.
Involve a Second Set of Eyes
Nobody likes to admit that they need help. Yet, it’s in our best interest to ask for support from others when we know we need help. Whether you need support from a family member or close friend, or need to hire a caregiver, asking for help when it comes to managing your medication can save your life. A family member, close friend, or even a caregiver can double check your pill box each week to ensure that you didn’t miss anything. You can still be responsible for refilling the pill box each week but having a second set of eyes to review it is a great insurance policy. Your support network can also call to check in with you if you’re having difficulty remembering to take your medication at a specific time. Asking for support doesn’t mean that you give up your independence. It means that you recognize your own limitations and are proactive when it comes to your health.
If you, or your aging loved one, needs assistance with managing medications, look no further than Visiting Angels Richmond. We can help your loved one fill a weekly pill box with their prescription medication according to their doctor’s orders. We can also remind your loved one to take their medication during our visits and check in with you so that you know how mom or dad are doing. Give us a call today to learn more about our home care services, and how we can help you with your needs.