There are an astounding 10,000+ prescription drugs obtainable in America, and close to one-third of all adults take five or more of these medications each day. If you happen to be a care provider for an aging loved one, the difficulty of handling the prescriptions, interactions and dosages can be challenging. In fact, research shows that 55% of prescription medications are not being taken correctly for a number of reasons, and the consequences can be dangerous.
Reduce the risk for medication mistakes and receive the maximum benefits of the prescription by following these methods to help manage medication for older adults effectively.
Be in the Know Right from the Get-Go. Don’t be hesitant to ask the medical practitioner and/or pharmacist questions about the medicine. Be sure to know these particulars:
- The name of the medicine
- What the drug is prescribed for
- How, when and for how long to take the drug
- The correct dosage
- Potential side effects and drug interactions
Furthermore, make certain to have your loved one’s medical practitioner periodically perform a medication review to determine which meds are still required and which ones could be eliminated.
Keep a Master List of Medications. Creating a comprehensive listing of all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements that your senior loved one takes can be a big help at the health care provider’s office. This listing should consist of all of the details from the list above, along with:
- The color and shape of the drug (and even a visual of the drug if possible)
- The prescribing physician’s name and contact information
- Date when the medication began, and whether or not it should be refilled and taken continually
- Date the list was last changed
The Sacramento in-home care specialists at Live Well at Home can help older adults manage prescriptions, set up medication reminders, and communicate with doctors and pharmacists to make sure medications are being taken correctly. Contact Live Well at Home today at 916-459-3220 to learn more about proper medication management.