Did you know that approximately 20% of older adults take ten medications or more daily? You’ll find that four out of ten will take five or more prescriptions daily as well.
Medication reminders are now a critical part of successful elderly care. It’s difficult enough to keep track of all of your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and nutritional supplements.
For the elderly, forgetting to take their medication might be even more of an issue since they may also suffer from memory loss or dementia. Read on to explore the importance of proper medication management and why it’s so difficult to achieve on a constant basis.
The Significance of Medication Reminders and Medication Management
Seniors’ health and well-being depend on effective medication management.
Non-compliance with prescribed medication may result in life-threatening health issues, including the need for hospitalization. Those who fail to follow their doctor’s instructions might face serious consequences, especially if they already have a chronic illness.
The obvious question is, “What does good medication management look like?” with actual and hazardous obstacles on the road.
As a pharmacist or medicine reminder, they can’t be in many locations simultaneously. After all, many people who look after an adult kid have demanding schedules. For the sake of their loved ones’ health, they seek a simple and efficient answer.
The Most Prevalent Barriers to Medication Compliance in Elderly Care
There are legitimate reasons why medication compliance and management might look simple on paper but becomes rather challenging to implement for elderly folks on a daily basis.
Let’s take a look at those issues one at a time.
Fear and Anxiety
For many seniors, the thought of the medication’s possible adverse effects is a source of anxiety or even panic. In addition, kids may misinterpret the harmful effects of these medications.
Older people may not be able to hear or follow the directions of their healthcare practitioner. They may quit taking the medication as a result of their increased anxiety.
Loss of Memory and Illness
According to research, older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-related illnesses are more likely to have drug management issues.
These people are more likely to do the following things.
- Not taking your medicine in the first place
- Not take your medicine every day
- Failing to take your medicine at regular intervals (not remembering they had already taken it earlier in the day)
- An overdose or increased adverse effects when the medicine is taken incorrectly
All of those factors can boost the effects of fear and panic that we’ve discussed earlier.
Social Isolation
According to research, seniors who are socially isolated and lonely are more likely to fail to take their medications as prescribed.
Non-compliance with medicine is more common among those with chronic illnesses who are socially isolated.
Dealing With Multiple Medications
Keeping track of and being in charge of several different prescriptions can be perplexing and draining.
It’s more challenging to remember to take all of your prescriptions if you take a large number of them.
The Keys to Better Management of Senior Medications
With complex problems come people with the drive to simplify these complexities and offer solutions. For instance, you can find effective senior care and medication reminders at Santa Teresa PAS.
But, if you’re looking for more short-term solutions, here’s what you can find on the market.
Make Use of a Pillbox
The cost is low, and you can get them from your neighborhood drugstore. Each day of the week has its section in a basic organizer. If you take more than one pill a day, you’ll need a larger container.
This makes it possible to arrange your medications according to the precise time of day at which you need to take them. If you don’t want to use a pillbox, you may use various colored bottles at different times of the day.
For short periods, most medicines may safely be stored in the same organizer compartment as other prescriptions without interfering. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication.
Your pillbox should also be checked. When two pills are accidentally dropped into a bottle instead of one, it is not uncommon.
It’s also critical to fill your organizer when it’s empty. Doing the same thing on the same day each week or month might make it more convenient for you. You may ask a friend or relative to help you fill your pillbox if you need additional help.
Create a To-Do List
It’s also a good idea to keep a written record of the prescriptions you take and when you take them. You may buy them or create your own from scratch.
Mention the medication’s name, dosage, frequency of administration, and the shape of the pill you’re taking. Also provide any particular directions, such as whether you should take it with meals or not.
Make a checkbox where you can mark off when you’ve taken each medication. Once a prescription is changed, or you’re dealing with prescription refills, update your medication list.
Using Technology and Automatic Dispensers
An automated pill dispenser may be the best option if you have a complex prescription regimen.
Several dozen different kinds of tablets may fit in each cup, and an alarm goes off to remind you when it’s time to take your medication. It’s possible to rent one for the month. For a few hundred dollars or more, you may own it outright, albeit some need a monthly membership charge.
To notify your pharmacist if you forget to take your medication, the most high-tech dispensers may establish a wireless connection with them.
Medicare does not cover these devices for the elderly. However, Medicaid programs for low-income or disabled individuals may cover them. Your insurance company should be able to assist you.
Medication Management Made Simple
You don’t have to figure out elderly care and medication reminders all by yourself. There are many tried-and-true ways to simplify the process and ensure that your loved ones get the care and the medication they need.
We hope that our guide has shed some light on the process, and if you feel like your case is complex or have questions, you can always schedule a consultation at your convenience.
