In the senior home, medication management is key. There are several effective steps to reduce the chances of overmedication and reactions to medication. The following tips can help to help manage this. Of course, it is important to consult your pharmacist or provider regarding questions or concerns.
Keep a list
Maintain a list of all medications including prescription and non-prescription. This can include over-the-counter (OTC) medications to vitamins and supplements. Just because they are OTC medications doesn’t mean they have fewer side effects than even prescription medications. Tracking doses and their purposes can be helpful when visiting a healthcare provider. Bringing questions about the medications you may have can be helpful so you don’t have to remember everything at your appointment.
Review medications
If in the hospital, it is important to notify the hospital about your current medications. While in the hospital, they will be responsible for giving you your medications. Always ask if you have any questions and especially if you need to continue medications after you leave.
Ask questions
There are medications that are not appropriate for specific ages and conditions, so when a senior is in your care, double-checking for negative drug interactions is vital. If there is a medication in question, ask your provider for an alternative. It is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions and ensure that you and your senior understand what and when the medications are to be taken.
Set up a medication tracking system
It can be difficult for seniors to remember when to take their doses. In the senior home, a reminder or tracking system can help them know when they have taken the medications and if they took them at the right time. Using an app or a simple chart can be helpful. Setting an alarm on their mobile phone
If needed, a helpful service professional caregivers can provide is assisting clients with medications but not administering them. Having a medication management system in place ensures provider, family, your loved one, and caregiver are on the same page. This reduces any confusion, overmedication, and negative reactions, so you can rest easy, knowing your loved one is getting the proper care and attention.
