As we age, our bodies begin to require more maintenance to help us stay active and live a healthy lifestyle. Santa Teresa Provider is here to help families find ways to help their loved ones live a healthy lifestyle from the comfort of their own homes. Check out some of the best ways you and your loved ones can stop on top of medications to keep you on the go for years to come.
Why is a Medication Routine Important?
A medication routine is a crucial part of living a healthy lifestyle, as taking medication on time and as directed is essential to the overall efficacy of the medicine. Many medications have strict guidelines that patients should follow to ensure the efficacy of the medication, including:
- The time of day the medication should be taken
- Whether or not medicine should be taken with food or on an empty stomach
- The route of administration for the medication
- Taking the correct dose of the prescribed drug
- Proper storage of the medication
One of the best ways to help patients stay on track when it comes to taking their medications is to set medication reminders as part of their daily routine.
Types of Medication Reminders
For patients looking for options when it comes to medication reminders, there are a variety of options available. From standard pill organizers to more advanced mobile applications, there’s something for everyone when it comes to staying on track with their medications.
Daily Pill Organizers
These simple and easy-to-use medication reminders can be found at almost any pharmacy, supermarket, or grocery store and are one of the most popular ways to help keep bills organized. Daily pill organizers come in a variety of styles, including the following:
- 7-day weekly organizers
- Monthly pill organizers
- Morning and Evening weekly or monthly organizers
- Extra large varieties of any of the above
Alarm Clocks
Alarm clocks are another popular method when it comes to medication reminders as this method is nearly foolproof… except maybe for chronic snoozers! With so much access to cell phones these days, most patients will opt for setting a daily alarm on their cell phones as this method is portable, and most phones replay alarms after a few minutes if the snooze button is pressed. For senior patients, a variety of specialized medication reminder systems are available, including vibrating alarms and light-up pill organizers.
Mobile Medication Reminder Apps
For patients on the go, there are a variety of mobile medication reminder apps available that provide users with simple medication alerts as well as a variety of added features. Some added features of mobile applications include:
- Medication administration reports for family members or caregivers
- Storage of and access to important medical records or emergency contacts
- Prescription refill reminders
- Tracking medical information such as blood pressure, weight, etc.
- Reward points for taking medications
Tips for Remembering to Take Pills on Time
While mediation reminders are an extremely important asset for patients, there are a few other steps that patients can take to ensure they stay on track with taking their medications. This can be especially important for elderly patients and patients with decreased cognitive function, who may be some of the most at risk for missing doses of their medications.
While these types of patients typically have access to in-home care services, Check out these easy-to-follow tips to keep you on track with meds:
- Develop a daily routine and stick to it
- Carry extra doses of medication
- Place medications in a visible location within the home
- Ask for help from family and friends
- Hire the help of a professional caregiver
Medication Reminders in El Paso
The staff at Santa Teresa Provider are trained to help patients stay on top of their medications and other important medical care, and we strive to offer patients individualized in-home care that provides El Paso patients with compassionate care while maintaining their independence.
