Have you ever heard the saying, “today is the oldest you have ever been and the youngest you will ever be again”? As invincible as we may feel when we are young, aging is inevitable. As we age, our bodies change and we become more vulnerable to various illnesses and injuries.
As a result of this, visits to the doctor may result in prescriptions for multiple medications to help alleviate symptoms and protect against other health conditions. While the medications prescribed are helpful and oftentimes necessary, remembering which medication to take and when can present a challenge for some seniors.
This is why we want to share with you a few tips to help the Older American in your life effectively manage his or her medication.
1. Use a pill box.
This may sound simple, but purchasing a pill box that is labeled with each day of the week can be an effective way to remind your loved one of the medication he or she needs to take on a daily basis. If your loved one has different medication to take in the morning than at night, you may consider buying two different colored boxes, one for the daytime and one for night, to clearly separate the medication and make it easier to identify.
2. Set daily reminders.
How does your loved one like to receive reminders? Whether it is setting an alarm on his or her cell phone or watch, or placing a sticky note on the bathroom mirror, having a daily reminder (or two!) can help ensure your loved one is taking his or her medication when needed. Once your loved one has taken his or her medication, encourage him or her to write it down in a calendar or designated notebook to help keep track.
3. Consider using a home care aide.
If your loved one requires extra care and is unable to remember to take his or her medication each day, you may consider enlisting the help of a home care aide. This individual can also help your loved one bathe and get to doctor’s appointments, as well as perform daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping. This option may be pricey, however, so be sure to check in with your loved one or his or her agent under the power of attorney regarding finances before committing to this decision.
We know that watching the senior loved one in your life get older can be overwhelming. If your loved one is still struggling to manage their medication or is in need of extra care, do not hesitate to contact our office for further advice. Your loved one’s safety and health are important to us.
