One of the most challenging tasks older adults have to face is managing their medications. It can get very complicated as medications and their corresponding dosages can change quite often.
Nevertheless, older adults need to take their prescribed meds precisely as instructed. Failure to do so can put them at unnecessary risk and make their conditions worse. That is why we are giving you a few tips to help manage your medications better.
Set Reminders
Forgetting to take a prescribed pill may affect how your body functions. That’s why it’s important that you don’t miss a dose. To help you, set an alarm or have someone be responsible for reminding you. You can also leave yourself a note and stick them to places that you won’t miss. Alternatively, you can download a medication log app on your mobile phone to get automatically notified.
It would also be so much easier if you develop a habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day. For example, do it every morning after breakfast. That way, the chances of you forgetting to take your meds would be slim.
Put All Your Medicines In One Place
Have a place for all your medications and sort them out if you can. It’s a good idea to buy a pillbox for this so everything is sorted out. When you have all of your meds in one place, you know exactly where to find them and know what you’ve taken.
Store All Medications Properly
Medications should be kept in a cool and dry place. Make sure that they are safely away from children or pets. Also, skip the bathroom cabinet because the moisture and heat in the room can negatively affect your pills.
Have a List
Have someone make a list of your medications for you. Ensure that all the important details are there, including how often each pill is taken, the dosage, the physician who prescribed it, and what the medication is for. Remember to update it whenever you’re done with a particular medication. It would also be a good idea to note your side-effects so you can discuss them with your doctor on your next visit.
Watch Out For Side-Effects
Some medications will have side-effects and you must be mindful of them. Pay close attention to any signs of dizziness, loss of sleep, a feeling of weakness, upset stomach, or pain. As soon as you feel ill, it’s best to contact your doctor right away so that they can determine whether or not you need to be prescribed a different medication.
Get Rid of Old Medications
Medications come with expiration dates. When taking your pills, be mindful of expired medications and always check the date on the bottle. As soon as you see expired pills, throw them away, and speak with your doctor so they can give you a refill prescription in case you still need one.
Conclusion
Managing medications for older adults can get complicated very quickly. Following these tips will help you stay on track and ensure that you’re taking the proper medications for yourself.
For a fool-proof and easy solution, download our medication log app from the Google Play Store & Apple App Store today – take charge of managing your medication!