As our loved ones age, they may encounter difficulties in managing their own medications. Forgetting to take a dosage might be a one-off, but if it keeps happening, or they are taking too much, this can be cause for concern.
Some seniors also have specific medication regimens outlined by their doctor. When these guidelines aren’t followed, health conditions may worsen or medications may interact negatively with each other.
It’s a lot to think about, and even more to be on top of.
As a caregiver for your parent, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. But it’s never too late to develop a plan and do what you can for your parents’ health and well-being based on the medications they are taking.
Understand Medication Needs
It can be confusing to learn the various medications your parents take, whether they’re taking prescription medication, supplements, or OTC. Following these tips can help you better understand their medication and feel confident in managing their medication:
- Why is each medication prescribed?
- What is the purpose of the medication and the expected results?
- What are some potential side effects to watch out for?
- Are there limitations or restrictions regarding food or other prescriptions while on this medication?
- What time of day should this medication be taken?
Next time you visit the pharmacy, ask the pharmacist for leaflets or a printout that summarizes the information you need to know about the medications your parent is taking.
Create a Centralized Medication List
Depending on the amount of medications and dosage types, it might be beneficial to create a medication list to stay organized. It’ll also take a bit of stress off you to know that all relevant information is compiled into one place:
- Write down the medication name, dosage, time to take it, prescribing doctor, and its purpose.
- Update the document regularly and bring it to every doctor appointment.
- Create a digital and physical copy.
- We recommend leaving the physical copy posted in a visible place, such as the fridge or in a medicine cabinet, for easy access during emergencies.
- Use colour-coded labels or sticky notes for extra visual cues.
- Small pictures or symbols can reinforce timing (e.g. sun, moon, food icons).
Use Medication Management Tools
If you take medications, maybe you set an alarm on your phone or incorporate taking them as part of your daily routine. This isn’t always as easy for an aging parent. In some cases, medication reminders can come in handy.
- Use pill organizers (daily, weekly, with time-of-day sorting) to help you stay organized.
- Download mobile apps and set reminders to help stay on track with medication.
- Ask pharmacies about blister packs and auto-refill services.
- Set up a calendar-based medication planner to visually see when each medication should be taken and when it needs to be renewed.
- Collect all your parents’ medications from one pharmacy to mitigate confusion, align refills and reduce unnecessary trips.
Review tools regularly to ensure they continue to work for your parents’ routine. Even the best systems can become too rigid when medications change. If or when this does happen, having consistent in-home support can really make a difference.
Establish a Routine
During transitional times, such as hospital discharges or seasonal changes, your parent may miss a dose or accidentally double up on a medication. Establishing a routine or checklist makes it easier to remember when medications need to be taken and to retrace steps if a mishap does occur.
- Coordinate medications with daily activities, such as meals or bedtime, or even while they’re watching their favourite shows, to make it more natural or memorable.
- Keep water or food nearby to make swallowing pills easier.
- Create a visual schedule to help your parents follow and remember their routine.
Monitor for Side Effects and Interactions
Side effects from medication errors might not be your biggest concern when it comes to what your parent is taking. But these are very real symptoms that can happen, and potentially mask as another condition or disease. That’s why it’s essential to monitor physical and emotional behaviour and address it accordingly with the prescribing doctor, should you notice significant changes:
- Note down anything that may seem unusual, such as drowsiness or confusion.
- Consider interactions with specific foods or drinks, such as acidic fruits or alcoholic beverages.
- Watch for gradual cognitive shifts, such as subtle changes in mood or increased agitation.
- Stay informed about general and extreme side effects while consulting with pharmacies regularly.
Tracking medication side effects is essential not only for new prescriptions, but also for existing ones when adding a supplement or another pharmaceutical.
Communicate with Healthcare Providers
Coordinating with healthcare providers may require you to be persistent and advocate strongly on behalf of your parents. Doing so can help initiate conversations and begin setting solutions into motion to address medication pitfalls.
- Schedule a medication review around twice a year.
- Ask about desprescribing (if every medication is necessary).
- Coordinate among specialists to avoid duplicate or conflicting prescriptions.
- Having a single pharmacy to manage all prescriptions can simplify this process, as pharmacists can identify any issues when everything is in one system.
- Consult with a geriatric pharmacist or care coordinator for helpful suggestions.
Encourage Independence (If Appropriate)
For many caregivers, we hear concerns regarding overstepping. If your parent feels as though their independence is threatened, or their competence is in question, interactions can sour quickly. Here are some ways to help them feel they have autonomy over their own lives and medication routines:
- Include your parent in the planning and creation of documentation.
- Show them how to use reminders or apps, without controlling them.
- Offer your support at any time.
Plan for Emergencies
Not everything related to medications will always go smoothly. Prepare for those times, and you’ll find it much easier to deal with them when they happen:
- Keep backups for travel or in case any medications are missing.
- Learn what to do if your parent doubled up on any medication or missed a dose.
- Keep a copy of the medication list with a trusted family member or caregiver.
Peace of Mind, One Pill at a Time
Medication management may not be a full-time job, but it does take work.. You don’t have to shoulder it all—many families benefit from dedicated support that fits their parents’ unique care needs. If it’s time to make life a little easier, our caregivers are here to help. Contact us today to explore personalized support for your parents’ medication plan.
About The Author
Stephen Bleeker
Stephen Bleeker is dedicated to redefining senior care as the CEO and founder of Assurance Home Care. His passion for enhancing the quality of life for seniors is at the heart of the company’s mission, which focuses on supporting aging in place through compassionate, personalized care. With a diverse background spanning music, lifestyle, and entertainment, Stephen brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic insight to the healthcare industry. His knack for innovation, customer experience, and holistic marketing has consistently led to exceptional outcomes, making him a dynamic leader who’s transforming how care is delivered.