Aging often involves health conditions that require regular doses of medication to treat. But many seniors also struggle with memory issues or have trouble keeping a routine. For this reason, they may need help with medication management. Here are a few techniques that will make it simpler to stay on schedule and optimize health.

How Seniors Can Better Manage Their Medication

1. Check Interactions & Instructions

Some medications require you to eat, while others should be taken on an empty stomach. Certain medicines should be taken in the morning and some in the evening. And, of course, some interact dangerously. Check the full medication list with a pharmacist to make sure the combinations are safe and you’re aware of all instructions.

2. Store Everything in One Spot

If you keep some pill bottles in the bathroom, some in the kitchen, and some on the bedside table, it’s easy to overlook one set of medications even if you remember to take the others. By putting them in one place, you can make sure they’re all being taken when they should be. Weekly pill organizers are excellent tools to help with medication management.

3. Set up a Reminder System

Once you have grouped the medications that should be taken at the same time or on the same day, set up an alarm on a phone or watch as a reminder to take those medications. You can also use pill bottles with built-in timers to make sure medications are being administered when they should be.

4. Provide Extra Help for Memory Issues

For some elderly patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia, just having an alarm set will not be enough for proper medication management. They may need a senior care professional to help them through the full process of taking medications each day. This is one of many reasons assisted living can be beneficial for some seniors.

5. Plan Ahead for Refills

When assembling medications for the day or for the week, count how many doses are left of each type of medication and plan to get refills well before the supply runs out. Your pharmacy may be able to schedule with you to pick up multiple medications at the same time so you only have to remember one date and make one trip.

If your loved one needs help with medication management and other everyday tasks, consider taking a tour of Virginia’s Waynesboro Manor. Serving Augusta County and the Shenandoah Valley, this comfortable and welcoming state-licensed assisted living facility has over 20 years of history and boasts a caring service staff on duty 24 hours a day, all while offering some of the area’s best rates. For information about pricing and availability, visit them online or call (540) 942-2250.