Tips for Helping Loved Ones Keep Track of Medications

Taking medications correctly is crucial for managing health conditions. It's not just about taking the right dosage, but also timing it precisely as prescribed by a doctor.

As a family caregiver, it might fall upon you to ensure that your loved one gets the correct medication they need, on the schedule they need it. Doing so will allow your loved one to get the full benefit of their prescribed medications while avoiding potential health implications from accidental overdoses or missed doses.

Five Ways to Keep Track of Medications

Incorporate the five ideas below to help your loved one keep track of daily medications.

1. Keep medications together in a safe, organized place.

Designate a safe, cool, and dry place in your loved one's home, ideally away from direct sunlight and moisture (think cabinets, not bathroom shelves). This will help preserve the medications and keep them easily accessible.

2. Create a complete, updated list of all your loved one’s medications.

Include everything your loved one takes, from prescription drugs to over-the-counter pain relievers, vitamins, and supplements. Note the medication name, dosage, frequency, and what it's used for. This comprehensive list will be invaluable during doctor visits or emergencies.

3. Learn which things might reduce the effectiveness of medications.

Be aware of contraindications, which means certain medications should not be taken together. It's important to discuss any new supplements or over-the-counter medications with your loved one's doctor or pharmacist before adding them to their routine.

Here's a breakdown of some common interactions to watch out for:

• Drug-drug interactions: Some interactions can cause drowsiness, increase the risk of falls, or interfere with how well the medications work.
• Drug-alcohol interactions: Alcohol can significantly impact how medications work in older adults. Mixing alcohol with medications can lead to memory loss, coordination problems, irritability, and an increased risk of falls.
• Drug-food interactions: Certain foods can affect how medications are absorbed by the body.

4. Get the medication schedule figured out.

This includes how often and how to take each medication, as well as any specific instructions about when to stop taking them.

5. Do regular medication counts.

Regularly count your loved one's medications to help identify any missed or extra doses. This can be done weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the medication schedule. If there are discrepancies, it's important to investigate and address the cause. It is almost never advised to try to make up missed doses. Please check in with your loved one’s physician or pharmacist.

Find a Medication Management System That Works

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to medication management. Experiment and find a system that works best for your loved one. Here are some popular options to consider, keeping in mind that it's important to:

1. Always keep the original prescription bottles. (The bottle labels contain important information about the medication.)
2. Only put a week or so of medication into organizers or pill planners at a time (more on pill planners below!). It’s easier to keep track of a week’s worth of medications, and you’ll still have the original bottle to refer to if you need it.

Popular Medication Management Systems

A combination of one or more of the following systems can help you and your loved one keep track of their medications. For example, you might find that a medication reminder used in tandem with a pill organizer is the perfect solution. Try a few to see which are more effective for your loved one.

• Medication reminder apps: These can be a great option for tech-savvy individuals. Look for apps that offer features like refill reminders and medication tracking. Medisafe and EveryDose are two highly rated medication tracker apps to try.
• Medication bottle organizers: These bags or bins are often divided into sections for easy organizing and are helpful for sorting medications by day of the week.
• Pill organizers and medication planners: Portable and convenient, pill organizers come in various sizes and designs to accommodate different medication schedules.
• Medication tracking charts: A simple, paper-based option for tracking medications and dosages.
• Medication tracking spreadsheets: Can be customized for detailed tracking needs.
• Alarms/reminders: Setting medication reminder alarms on a smartphone is simple. Another option is Homewatch Connect; clients can easily schedule automatic medication reminders to prevent missed doses.
• Pre-sorted pill packs. Ask your pharmacist if they offer pre-sorted pill packaging. These are pharmacy-prepared blister packs that contain all of a person’s medications for a specific time and day, with that information printed on the blister pack.

Contact Homewatch CareGivers for In-Home Caregiving

Managing medications can feel overwhelming, but with a little planning and organization, you can confidently ensure that your loved one always takes the right medication at the right time.

For more personalized guidance and support, call Homewatch CareGivers at 888-404-5191 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation today. Our team of experienced caregivers is here to help!