Managing medications is a part of growing older, and many seniors rely on their prescription medicines to be able to enjoy a good quality of life. For a large number of older individuals, the number of prescriptions to manage can be overwhelming, and the side effects that can present themselves while on multiple medications can introduce special challenges for seniors, their families and their caregivers. Fortunately, loved ones and caregivers can successfully help seniors manage medicines if they follow some simple, but effective tips.
To help those who care for an aging loved one, here are four tips that can help to ensure that prescription medicines are taken properly, in the right dosages, and at the right times:
Be Present and Pay Attention
Perhaps your most important job as a caregiver is simply paying attention to your senior. When things like sleep patterns and appetite undergo changes, it’s up to you to investigate. It may just be a blip on the radar, but it might be due to a change in medication. Keep track of what your senior is taking and jot down your notes in a care diary. That way, you can correlate changes you notice with any alterations in the way a senior is taking his or her medicine.
Bring Everyone on Board
One of the most important tasks you have as a caregiver is convincing a senior that your actions are in their best interest. That’s why it’s crucial for you to keep an open dialogue about prescriptions, how they’re taken, the proper dosages and any concerns that you have. As a caregiver, it’s up to you to be the hub of communication between yourself, your senior loved one and any medical personnel, including prescribing doctors.
Don’t Dismiss
Sometimes family members focus so much on what the professionals are saying that they forget to consider what their loved one is telling them. If a senior complains about certain side effects, or expresses a belief that certain medications aren’t working, it’s important to take those concerns seriously. it could be that a senior simply doesn’t want to take their medicine, but you must not assume anything without looking into it and communicating about the issue first.
Ask For Help
Caregivers experience lots of stress when they feel like they’re doing it all alone. Are you having trouble helping manage a senior’s medications? Do you feel like you’re taking on too much with a senior loved one who is on multiple medicines? Don’t be afraid to ask other family members to help you! You should also consider the services of an experienced, non medical senior care provider who can provide compassionate care right in your loved one’s home.
Learn More
Are you wondering how you can get help with a senior loved one? Always Best Care is here for you! Call us today at 1 (855) 470-CARE (2273) and learn how you can schedule a FREE consultation with one of our senior care experts.
