How to Help Seniors Manage Their Medications
As people grow older, they tend to develop more health conditions that require them to take multiple medications from a doctor. Managing these medications can be challenging, especially if they have memory problems or difficulty reading labels. As a result family members or caregivers should help seniors manage their medications to ensure they take the right dose at the right time. Here are a few tips for helping seniors manage their medications.
4 Tips for Helping Seniors Manage Their Medications
1. Create a Medication List
The first step in medication management is to create a list of all the medications that a senior is taking. The list should include the name of the medication, dosage, time of day it needs to be taken, and the reason for taking it. This list should be kept up to date and brought to all doctor appointments.
2. Use Pill Organizers
Pill organizers can be a helpful tool for seniors to manage their medications. They can be filled weekly or monthly, and each compartment is labeled with the day and time of day the medication needs to be taken. This helps seniors keep track of when they need to take their medications and if they have already taken them.
3. Set Reminders
Seniors can set reminders on their phone or use a medication reminder app to help them remember when to take their medications. This can be especially helpful for seniors who have memory issues or take medications at different times throughout the day.
4. Ask for Help
Seniors should not be afraid to ask for help when managing their medications. This can include asking a family member or caregiver to help with filling pill organizers or setting reminders. Seniors can also speak with their pharmacist or doctor if they have any questions or concerns about their medications.
At Chewelah Associated Physicians PS, they understand the importance of medication management for seniors. Their team of geriatric specialists can help seniors in Chewelah, WA, and the surrounding areas manage their medications effectively. If you or a loved one needs assistance with medication management, call (509) 935-8711 to schedule an appointment.