Although they only represent about 15% of the U.S. population, older Americans take one-third of all prescription and OTC medications each year. Common medication management issues the elderly face include accidental overdoses, drug interactions, forgetting to take their meds as prescribed, and having expired medications on hand. As a result, many seniors are hospitalized each year for medication-related emergencies. As a caregiver, there are several ways to improve your loved one’s medication management program, starting with these.

Medication-Related Challenges for Seniors

Almost 90% of people aged 65-and-over take one or more prescription drugs for chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or arthritis. Over 35% take 5 or more, so it’s easy for mix-ups to happen, and notably when a senior suffers from memory loss or poor vision.

Here are some other medication-related challenges seniors face:

  • Medications stay in their system longer.
  • Many quit taking their meds because of side effects, finances, or other reasons.
  • Most get prescriptions from several different doctors.
  • Age-related changes to the body alter the way drugs are distributed and concentrated.
  • Their liver and kidneys don’t effectively metabolize and eliminate drugs from the body.

If you are caring for an aging loved one who takes several different medications, not having a good compliance system in place could threaten their health and wellbeing.

Your Medication-Management Program

On the positive side, devising a good medication management program is possible when taking these steps:

Learn About Their Health Condition(s)

Learn as much as possible about their health condition(s) by speaking to their healthcare providers, consulting trustworthy online sources, or joining a topic-related support group.

Keep a Medication List

Keep an updated medication list that includes the following information for every drug they are taking, including OTC products and supplements:

  • Name of the drug and the prescribing doctor, if it’s a prescription
  • Why they are taking it
  • How often and at what dose it’s taken
  • When refills are needed

Read the Labels

Make sure to read the prescription bottle labels, Drug Facts labels on OTC packaging, and the Patient Medicine Information inserts that come with medications when they’re first prescribed. While doing so, look for:

  • Proper storage requirements
  • Possible side effects, allergic reactions and drug interactions
  • What the medicine is used for
  • Warnings

If you have any questions, speak to a pharmacist or the prescribing doctor.

Store the Medications Properly

Based on the labeling, store all medications properly by:

  • Keeping them in a cool, dry place. Kitchen or bathroom countertops are not a good location.
  • Storing the drugs where children and pets can’t access them
  • Following any special storage requirements, like keeping them refrigerated or away from light

Pre-Sort Meds for the Week

Pill organization is an essential part of an effective medication management program. One way to do so is with a pill organizer that has enough compartments for each dose they’ll need during the day. If pills have-to be split, do so with a pill cutter in advance so that you and you’re loved one won’t have to remember to cut them in half later.

Make a Reminder Chart

Create a medication reminder chart that’s kept on the fridge or bulletin board. As each dose is taken during the day you can record it with an X or check mark. This is also a good way to remember to refill prescriptions before they run out.

Use One Pharmacy

Whenever possible, only use one pharmacy for all your senior’s meds. That way all their records will be kept in the same location, which will help minimize confusion and allow the pharmacist to alert you about potential drug interactions.

Reliable In-Home Medication Management for Seniors

Helping an aging in place loved one with medication management can be hard when you’re busy or live far away. When you need an extended family in the home, contact Seniors Prefer Homecare. As a fully licensed and insured agency, our highly trained and carefully screened caregivers can help keep your senior safe and medication-compliant so they can keep aging comfortably in place right where they want to be.

While in the home, our compassionate caregivers can also perform duties like light housework, personal hygiene, meals, transportation and companionship. And, all our family trusted services can be conveniently combined in an affordable package that’ll put your mind at ease! To learn more about Seniors Prefer Homecare now, or to schedule a FREE, in-home consultation for a senior in Tuscaloosa or Huntsville, AL, today please visit us at: www.seniorspreferhomecare.com.