As a senior, managing prescriptions can be a challenge. With more complex regimens and multiple medications to manage, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. At Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook, we understand the importance of staying on top of medications and have compiled a list of tips to help in organizing prescription medications for seniors.
In this blog post, we'll cover how to understand seniors' medications, make and stick to a schedule, store medications properly, and get help when needed. Let's get started!
Understanding Prescription Medications
The first step in organizing prescription medications for seniors is to understand what they are taking and why. Make sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you have about your medications. This includes the name of the medication, what it's for, the dosage, how often you need to take it, as well as any potential side effects. Make sure to keep a list of all your medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Supplements can interact with certain medications, so making a note of them is important.
Make a Schedule
Once you understand your medications, create a schedule for taking them. This could be a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule depending on the number of medications you take. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar so you don't forget to take your medications. If you have trouble remembering when to take your medications, consider setting an alarm on your phone or using a medication reminder app. If you aren't sure how to set a medication reminder, ask a caregiver or loved one for help.
Store Your Medications Properly
When organizing prescription medications for seniors, it's also essential to store them properly to ensure their effectiveness. Keep medications in their original containers and out of reach of children and pets. Also, store medications in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you have multiple medications, consider using a pill organizer to help you keep track of them. Pill organizers can also help you sort medication for each day or the week or even your morning and evening medications.
Get Help
If you need help managing your medications, don't hesitate to ask a family member, friend, or caregiver for assistance. They can help you stay organized and remind you to take your medications on time. Talking to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about taking your medications is also essential. They can help you understand any potential side effects or interactions with other medications.
We Can Help You Manage Your Medications
If you need more assistance organizing prescription medications for seniors as well as other everyday tasks, consider in-home senior care. At Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook, we provide compassionate and professional in-home senior care to help seniors in Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Joliet, Lockport, Romeoville, Downers Grove, Woodridge, and Darien stay on top of their medications and other daily activities.
Our trained caregivers can assist with medication reminders, transportation to medical appointments, and other tasks to help seniors live comfortably and safely at home. Contact us today for more information about our senior in-home care and support.