Modern medicines have enabled seniors to live longer lives than before. However, there are a few risks that occur when older adults rely on multiple prescriptions. While the majority of medication mishaps occur when seniors forget to take a pill, they are also at risk for overdoses and serious drug interactions if their routine is not properly managed. The following strategies can help you create a routine that prevents most types of medication mishaps.
Assess Your Loved One’s Current Routine
Your first step is to find out how well your loved one is currently managing his or her medication schedule. A senior who already has had a mishap should immediately be provided with support. During your assessment, watch your loved one count pills to see if he or she already took a dose.
Seniors who need help with medication management should consider professional in-home care. In Waterloo, elderly home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Gather Information About the Medications
You will need to know exactly what types of medication your loved one takes on a routine basis. Ask your loved one to show you the medications in his or her storage area as well as any medicines used on a less frequent basis. Learn about the side effects and potential interactions of all medications your loved one frequently uses.
Use Pill Organizers and Alarms
Although seniors may be fine taking one or two pills without getting pill organizers, these tools can help them better manage their medications. Choose an organizer that fits your loved one’s dosing schedule, and consider selecting one with an alarm built in place. Your loved one may also need a smaller organizer to transfer pills to if he or she plans to go on an outing. Pill organizers usually come in purse or pocket-sized versions that hold just enough pills for one day. Once you’ve set up the system, make sure it works by observing your loved one’s medication habits over a couple of days.
Know When to Seek Professional Assistance
Family caregivers must know when it is time to seek additional help. Your loved one may need assistance if he or she forgets to take the pills or feels overwhelmed trying to remember them all. Professional medication management is available to help you with your loved one’s medication. For instance, you can arrange for assistance if you find it too stressful to keep up with multiple medications or if your loved one refuses to accept your help.
In Waterloo, home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Set Up a Schedule to Review the Current Plan
A senior’s medication needs can change over time, and your loved one’s routine should be reviewed periodically. Mark a date on your calendar every three months to review the current plan, and make sure to perform an assessment sooner if your loved one experiences a new health condition that alters his or her medication schedule.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving 24-hour care. Waterloo Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (519) 954-2111 today.