Proper medication usage is essential to the health and safety of seniors. Maintaining a master list, establishing a dosage routine, creating a refill calendar, setting up an organization system, and hiring medication management services can help you and your loved ones keep track of over-the-counter and prescription medications. Seek a trusted elderly assisted living service to assist with medication management and other home care options.
Coastal Home Care offers one-on-one home care to Worchester County, MD, residents. We provide personalized care services based on every patient’s individual medical needs. Our team is composed of qualified support staff and Certified Nursing Assistants yet led by experienced Registered Nurses. For more information regarding our options, contact us at (866) 687-7307.
Below, we outline the best methods to keep track of medications:
Maintain a Master List
First, you should create and maintain a master list of medications, particularly their names, dosages, and dosage schedules. You may also find it helpful to record a description of the pill’s size and color. For prescription medications, record the names and phone numbers of relevant doctors in case you need to contact them. List the reason you or your loved one take each medication, as well as any effects you or others should keep in mind.
Furthermore, doctors and/or loved ones should double-check your list to ensure its accuracy. Keep one copy of it with your medications, one with you, and one for safekeeping. Update it when you start a new medication or change dosage.
Set a Dosage Routine
A dosage routine can help you remember when to take your medication and how much to take. Study the instructions for each medication, including how often you should take them and if you must consume it with or without food.
Additionally, record the time of day you need to take medications: upon rising, at or between mealtimes, or before bed. Try using hourly increments or behavioral cues to help you remember. For tracking your medication intake throughout the day, you may also incorporate timers or a checklist.
Create a Refill Calendar
Record when you receive a prescription and when you must refill it on a calendar. Your calendar will also remind you when your medications will expire and require disposal. Many prescription services offer automatic refills or delivery, which can help with this process. As you receive changes or new instructions from your doctor, update your calendar.
Organize Your Medications
Choose a safe, designated space for organizing your medications and records. Keep them together and in locations that remind you to take them, such as your kitchen, bathroom, or nightstand. If children visit or live with you, place your medications out of their sight and reach.
Furthermore, use a system for organizing medications. Pillboxes are a good solution for organizing your pills according to dosage and routine. Just remember to keep your prescriptions sorted and refreshed every day.
Seek a Medication Management Service
A medication management service can assist you with each step in the medication management process. It can also provide you with ongoing support for proper medication usage. Coastal Home Care provides such services, facilitated by Registered Nurses.
Coastal Home Care: Reliable Elderly Assisted Living in Worchester County, MD
Turn to Coastal Home Care for reliable elderly assisted living services in Worchester County, MD. Our teams seek to supplement your comfort and health at home. Over almost 10 years of service, we have delivered consistently reliable home care. We look forward to connecting you with a caregiver who fits your needs! Contact us today at (866) 687-7307 to schedule a consultation.