As an older individual, you probably have to take a plethora of medications throughout the day. Hence, remembering their names, purposes, and when to take them can pose a real challenge for anyone.
Yes, we understand. That’s precisely why we have curated this guide to help you manage your medicinal routine appropriately. So, without making any further ado, let’s begin!
A Guide To Medicine Management For Elders
According to a report, almost 350,000 people in the USA visit a healthcare center due to adverse drug events. In most cases, this issue is caused because of improper medicine management.
Hence, whether you are taking a medication swallowing gel, or anything else, following a proper routine will be essential for you. Hopefully, the following guide can help you with it.
Remember The Names Of The Medicines
Managing your medication will be pretty easy if you can remember their names correctly. You can do so in two different ways.
For the first one, you can use a diary and write the names of the medicines on it. Make sure to jot down the timings as well while you are at it. Also, don’t forget to keep the diary nearby.
Other than that, you can also create a makeshift package for each drug and write their names or timings on it. This way, you’ll never forget when to take them.
Go Through The Medication Label
Has your doctor provided you with a new medication? In that case, we would ask you to read the label of the drug thoroughly.
Learning about the available components of a medicine can help you understand its purpose. Hence, the whole management procedure will become even easier for you.
Ask Questions
Aside from reading the label, you can also ask questions about the medications to your doctors. Here are a few queries that you may raise during the process –
- Can you take medicine with food?
- Is the drug chewable?
- Are there any side effects of the medication?
- Do you have to take it with water or soft drinks?
Aside from this, you should also ask how a specific drug is going to interact with another medication. This way, it will be easier for you to avoid any complications altogether.
Learn About The Dosage
Each medication comes with a separate bit of strength. Therefore, in some cases, taking a heavy drug can affect your body adversely.
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Hence, while talking to your doctor, you should also ask them about the dosage of your medicines. Make sure to let them know about your medical history too. It will help them suggest the correct medications and dosage for your purpose!
Keep Everything In One Place
It’s easy to lose track of your medicinal routine if you are storing them in different locations. Thus, we would ask you to buy a depository box or cabinet and keep everything together.
It will help you find your drugs in a single place and remember when you should take the critical ones. Besides, it’s also an excellent way to improve your organizational habits.
Pre-Sort Everything For A Week
If you are too disorganized or forgetful, you can also try pre-sorting your medications for a week. For that, you can store the exact number of drugs in a place for the week and keep the additionals in another location. Using a pill organizer in this regard can be helpful.
If you have to split pills before taking them, make sure to do it before the week begins. This way, you will not have to fumble with the medicines hurriedly right before taking them.
Set Reminders
Do you need to take any medications at a specific time of the day? Well, then you can set the alarm to get a reminder early.
If you take the drug regularly at the same time, it will automatically become a habit for you. Thus, you will not forget what or when you are supposed to take anymore.
Final Thoughts
If you need some additional help in sorting out your medication, you can always take the help of a tracking tool. However, if you are more of an independent individual, you can follow our guidelines closely. Hopefully, everything will work out in the right way for you.
