5 Strategies for Medication Management and Medication Reminders for Seniors
Did you know that supply chain shortages and disruptions pertain to senior loved ones and the medications they depend upon? The U.S. Food & Drug Administration tracks the supply and flow of medication throughout the country while also listing current drug shortage reports online. Many senior loved ones and their caregivers know to stock up on items like cough and cold remedies, prescription medication, and OTC remedies in order to anticipate and prepare for continual disruptions in the supply of medication. One way to help prevent seniors from running out of their medication is by purchasing an organization device and following a strict dosage regime. Continue reading for tips on medication management and attacking shortages with a multi-pronged approach, including taking care of personal supplies.
5 Medication Management Strategies
1. Purchase a Locking Pill Dispenser
Occasionally, those who live with short-term memory loss, take medication managed by caregivers, or those who simply lose track of time take multiple doses accidentally when they have noticed they skipped a prescription. Luckily, there are electronic devices on the market that automatically dispense pills on a schedule. They also lock people out if they are attempting to take too much medication and stop people from consuming too many pills. In times when a shortage of medication may occur, consider purchasing a device that regulates it more stringently than a caregiver or the senior themselves due to its automatic mechanisms.
2. Pick Up an Old-Fashioned Pillbox
A pillbox is a plastic, rectangular container that separates the days into squares where someone can put that day's corresponding pill. The nice aspect of a pillbox is how it was patented back in 1964 and helped people organize their medication for decades. Pillboxes are inexpensive items that can be found at the local drugstore. Give them a try if the senior could use a little help organizing their medication, but doesn't require complex strategies, timers, and locks.
3. Find an Electronic Device that Reminds People to Take their Dose
One of the more popular devices on the market would be an item like the Hero H100 electronic pill dispenser. For senior loved ones who like technology, have extensive pill regimes, and need a device to chime or remind them when it's time to take their medication, then look no further than this electronic. The Hero H100 syncs with a smartphone or manual input. It helps people avoid a personal medication crisis by telling them when to take their medication and how frequently, which can be challenging for some to manage 24/7. For those who don't have their pill schedule perfected and forget about their pill storage containers, a machine like this helps more effectively.
4. Consider a Stylish Container
For some seniors who still relish their personal style, there are plenty of designer or artistic cases on the market. It's easy to find a case with a pretty design like the Houder decorative pill container on Amazon. When some seniors keep their cases in an attractive container, this inspires them to take better care of their medication and inspires more positive views of prescriptions than a clinical, orange bottle.
5. Keep Track of Shortages Online or Ask the Druggist
Pharmacies are required by U.S. law to offer consultations to their patients, so many are designed with a spot for patients to discuss their medication privately with a pharmacist. If you pick up medication for a senior loved one, or it's your own medication, then consider checking the FDA's website online or checking in with the local pharmacist about potential shortages. Pharmacists are great resources, so always call them for important medication updates.
About Senior Helpers Whittier-Downey
Senior Helpers in East LA is happy to have offices serving those in Bell Gardens, Downey, Pico Rivera, and Whittier. Contact us for more guidance on senior wellness and tips on medication management.