One of the most important tasks caregivers for senior adults can handle is helping to ensure they are taking their medications correctly. Medication management is essential to helping seniors stay healthy. However, many family members are unfamiliar with how to best ensure this is being done.
In this blog post from Senior Helpers Rockville, we will discuss how to know if seniors need assistance with medication management, how to provide support to them, and the options available for getting assistance.
Signs That Seniors Need Assistance With Medication Management
It is important to recognize when seniors may need help managing their medications. Look out for these signs that may indicate it is time to step in and help with medication management:
- Missing doses of medications or forgetting to take them altogether.
- Not finishing a course of medications or taking medications incorrectly.
- Taking too much or too little of a medication.
- Not being able to reach medication bottles or containers.
- Difficulty opening medication bottles or containers.
- Confusion about which medications to take, and when.
Help Your Senior Relative With Medication Management
If you have identified signs that your senior relative is having difficulty managing their medications, there are ways that you can help to ensure they are taking them correctly.
- Make sure that seniors are keeping their medications organized and in labeled containers.
- Ask a relative to create a chart to keep a record of all medications, dosages, and when to take them.
- Have seniors consult their doctor or pharmacist for any medication questions or concerns.
- Visit seniors to ensure that they are taking their medications as prescribed.
How to Get Assistance With Medication Management
If you are unable to provide assistance to seniors because you are living too far away or do not have the time, here are some options that may be available:
- Local Senior Services Centers: These centers may provide medication management services, such as pill organizers and medication reminders.
- Home Health Aides: These aides are specially trained to assist seniors with medication management, as well as other activities, such as grooming and bathing.
- Assisted Living Facilities: These facilities provide medication management in addition to other services and activities.
- Professional Caregivers: Professional caregivers are trained to help seniors manage their medications and to monitor their progress.
Consider Hiring a Caregiver
At Senior Helpers Rockville, we understand the importance of medication management for seniors and are here to help. We offer a variety of in-home care options, including medication management and care for those who require more complex care. Our caregivers have the training and experience in supporting seniors with medication management, as well as providing them with other services, such as companionship, housekeeping, grocery shopping, doctor's appointments, and more.
Reach Out to Senior Helpers Today
At Senior Helpers Rockville, we help provide seniors with the best possible care. Our caregivers have experience in providing medication management services and can help ensure that your senior relative is taking their medications correctly.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist senior adults in the Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Hyattsville, Potomac, Montgomery County, Washington DC, and Silver Spring areas.