Over time, our bodies undergo many changes requiring different medication management methods. Whether you’re taking medication for a chronic condition or just to manage symptoms, it’s important to know how your medication works, when to take it and potential interactions while having a complete list of meds. Here are seven tips for medication management for older adults.
1. Keep a list of all medications
Keeping a list of all our medications, including the dosage and how often they should be taken, is essential to effective medication management for older adults.
Not only do we tend to be on more medications when we get older, but we may also see several different doctors and experts who might prescribe different medications. It can be difficult to keep track of everything, especially if we take medications that need to be taken at different times of the day.
One way to help ensure that you are taking our medications correctly is to keep a list of all the medications you take, including the dosage and how often they should be taken. This can be a physical list you keep handy or an electronic list that can be stored on our phones or computers. Having this information readily available can help you or your loved ones ensure that they are taking their medications correctly and help avoid any dangerous interactions.
2. Do not interrupt your day for medication pick-ups
Managing medications for seniors can be a complex and time-consuming task. Medication management services can help to simplify the process and ensure that medications are taken as prescribed. These services not only help organize medications, but they can deliver the medications to your place.
Retirement communities, such as Seasons Retirement, provide delivery services for your medications. You do not have to interrupt your day for medication pick-ups and can keep enjoying your daily activities and events. With these delivery services, older adults can have peace of mind, free time to spend with their loved ones.
3. Always stay in touch with your doctor or pharmacist
Many older adults take multiple medications to manage various health conditions. While these medications can be lifesavers, they can also interact with each other in complex ways. Ask your doctor if there are any interactions between your medications that you should be aware of. They can help to identify any potential interactions or side effects and recommend ways to manage them.
Changing the order of your medications or adjusting the dosage may be enough to mitigate the effects of any interactions. But while your doctor may need to prescribe a different medication altogether in some cases, you should never quit your medication without first consulting your doctor. You can read this article to know more about the tips for preventing problems in medication management.
4. Have a clear understanding of each medication
People often require more medication to manage chronic conditions and stay healthy as they age. While this medication can be vital, it is important for older adults to have a clear understanding of the specifics of each medication they are taking.
Understanding the details behind each prescription can help older adults take their medications as prescribed and avoid any unwanted side effects. Additionally, some research has shown that older adults who are more informed about their medications are more likely to adhere to their medication regimens.
Don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider and loved ones who might be able to offer helpful advice. Everyone involved must understand how each drug should be taken and what potential side effects there could be.
5. Adapt your medicines to your daily routine
If you integrate taking your medicines into your daily routine, you can remember to take them easily. Set up a daily routine that includes taking your medications at regular intervals. For example, you might take them first thing in the morning, with lunch, and before bedtime. Or you might space them out evenly throughout the day after certain activities that you perform every day. With a little planning and effort, you can easily incorporate your medications into your daily routine.
6. Benefit from technology and app development
Technology is increasingly playing a role in medicine management, especially for older adults. It can be used to help monitor medication use, assess risks and potential side effects, and remind patients when it is time to take their medicine.
There are a variety of devices and apps available that can notify users when to take their medications with set reminders. This type of technology can be a valuable tool for older adults who want to maintain their independence and live healthy lives.
Some of the websites offer online medication trackers and let you scan the bottle’s barcode to help you remember your refills. You can learn more about the best medication reminder apps if you need new ideas about services that can provide peace of mind for both loved ones and their families.
7. Have an up-to-date copy of your medical history
As you get older, it becomes even more important to keep an up-to-date record of your medical history. You should bring the list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take to every doctor’s appointment. This will help ensure that you receive the best possible care, as your health care providers will have a complete and accurate picture of your health.
Additionally, this information can be extremely helpful if you ever need to see a new doctor or specialist. If you are not sure where to start, ask your primary care physician for help creating a list of all the medications you take.
Conclusion
In our later years, it becomes increasingly important to be aware of the medications we are taking and how they interact with one another. These medication management tips can help you get started on creating your own system for keeping track of your prescriptions. Do not hesitate if you have tips that are working for you and your loved ones.
