How To Keep Track of Medications For Your Elderly Parents
As a caregiver you know how hard it is to monitor your loved one’s medications. Especially if they take multiple medications throughout the day. Your loved one may take one medication in the morning and another one of the same medication midday at a different dosage. Here are some tips to help you keep track of your aging parents medications to help minimize overwhelm.
As we head into more of a digital space you can get an updated list of medications from your parents medical providers that is easily accessible especially if that doctor is using apps such as MYCHART that keeps all of your loved one’s medical information very accessible on your phone, tablet or computer.
If you are a pen and paper person, I highly recommend you keep an updated medication list that you can carry with you or have it accessible in your notes app on your phone. The list should include the medication, dose, frequency, what is it taken for and most importantly the name of the prescribing doctor.
Pill organizers are a great way to set out medications weekly. It promotes independence for your loved ones, at times a much easier option to opening child proof pill bottles. There are different styles of pill dispensers that come in weekly, bi weekly and or monthly options. Keeping them away from children is extremely important.
Depending where you are located there are specialty pharmacies that can set up blister packages that organize pills by day and time. Normally set up monthly and delivered to your loved one’s home, lessening the burden of going to the pharmacy.
If your older adult aging family member is having a hard time managing their medications there are options available that can minimize medication errors, promote independence and help them to have a well balanced daily routine to support their needs.
