As your loved one get older, senior care becomes an important part of your relationship. With the average elderly patient taking over five prescription medications, managing their medicines can feel like a full-time job. Here are some tips on how to effectively help your loved one keep track of their various medications.

How to Handle Medications for Senior Care

1. Make a List

Maintain an up-to-date list of all current medications and their dosages. Consult this list when planning on when their pills should be taken. Some can be taken together, while others will need to be spread out.

If new medications are prescribed, use the list to check for potential negative interactions. Include notes about possible side effects and monitor your loved one for adverse reactions. 

2. Establish a Routine

It’s important to ensure that correct dosages are being taken at the right intervals. Sit down at a scheduled time every week to sort medications into an organizer. Use this to determine if all necessary pills are ready for the week.

Make a task list so that your senior can check off when each pill is consumed. Assign specific meals or times for each medication. Some may need to be taken with food, while others might require an empty stomach. A firm routine helps you and your loved one remember which pills need to be taken and when to take them throughout the day. 

3. Keep Medications Organized

Storing prescriptions across multiple locations can lead to forgotten pills. It’s also important to be sure that medications are not being damaged by moisture or heat. Gather them all together and place them in a clear bin for easy access. Store the bin in a cool, dark place and check it regularly.

This will help you track refill needs and be certain that expired medications are being disposed of properly. The FDA maintains a list of instructions on how to deal with different types of expired drugs. Make sure that all medications are stored in a secure area that children and pets cannot access.

If your elderly relative wants to maintain independence but needs help monitoring medications, contact Speltz Estates Assisted Living in Lewiston, MN. Their robust senior care services include home-health aids, planned activities, and a 24/7 emergency response system. When you trust your loved one’s care to their dedicated team, you can rest easy in the knowledge that they will provide a helping hand wherever and whenever it is needed. Call them at (507) 523-2252 to enquire about current availability, or visit their website to learn more about their safe, personalized assisted living solutions.