If your elderly parent lives at home, you may worry about whether they’re taking their medication correctly. Fortunately, helping your loved one get organized can make their independent living experience easier. The following guide explains how you can keep your loved one’s medications in order.

Independent Living Tips for Prescription Management

1. Keep Track of Prescriptions

Independent living means your loved one is responsible for understanding their medication regimen and being able to provide that information to a nurse or pharmacist later. Write down each prescription and over-the-counter medication as a guide for your parent and any caregivers they spend time with. This record should include why they take it, who prescribed it, the dosage instructions, and any potential side effects listed on the bottle. 

2. Sort Medications Each Week

Pill organizers help your parent sort their medications for the week. Some styles are organized by day, while others have more compartments for morning, afternoon, and evening doses. Sorting the medication and keeping the organizer in an accessible place make it easy for you to keep track of their medication, reducing the risk of forgetting or overdosing. Put a reminder on the calendar to do this at the same time every week.

3. Store Medications in One Spot

If your parent has their medications in different spots, they’re at risk of losing or forgetting them. Storing them in one area keeps them more secure and accessible. Having a consistent storage spot also makes it easy to monitor upcoming refills and expiration dates.

4. Coordinate a Reminder System

Making sure your parent takes their medications can be difficult if you aren’t there, but a reminder system can help. It can be as simple as sticky notes in highly visible areas, such as the bathroom mirror or coffee pot, setting up electronic alerts on their phone, or calling them at designated times.

5. Provide Assistance

Visiting your elderly parent is the most reliable way to ensure they’re keeping up with medications. You can also enlist the help of other family members, trusted neighbors, and a home care service to make this more manageable. Once you establish a routine of sorting the medicine, storing it in the same place, and creating reminders for the week, any caregiver will be prepared to help you and your loved one.

 

If you and your parent need help staying on top of medications, turn to Visiting Angels in Lexington, KY.  This locally owned agency provides seniors with caring and compassionate in-home care, from running errands to dementia care. Their independent living services alleviate the stress of daily tasks and empower seniors to stay at home longer. For more information about enrolling your parent, visit their website or call (859) 223-0398.