Medications are among the most common sources of worry in caring for a loved one. Doses change, new prescriptions arrive after every hospital visit and several doctors may prescribe without seeing everything the others have ordered. A little structure goes a long way.
The habits below are general. Questions about specific medications, doses or timing should always go to your loved one's doctor or pharmacist.
1. Keep one current list
Write down every medication, including prescriptions, over-the-counter products and supplements. For each, note the name, dose, how often it is taken, what it is for and who prescribed it. Keep a copy in the home and bring one to every appointment and every emergency room visit.
2. Know what each medication is for
If nobody can say why a medication is being taken, ask. A medication that was started for a short-term problem is sometimes continued long after it is needed. Asking the question is not second-guessing the doctor. It is part of good care.
3. Use one pharmacy when you can
A single pharmacy can see the whole picture and flag potential interactions. Ask the pharmacist to review the full list, and ask whether refills can be synchronized so that they come due on the same day.
4. Make taking medications easy
Pill organizers, clear labels, written schedules and a consistent routine all help. For someone with memory difficulties or a complicated regimen, it may help to have another person set up the week's medications in advance.
5. Track refills before they run out
Running out of a medication, especially over a weekend, is avoidable. Note when each prescription is due, request refills early and know which doctor's office handles each one.
6. Watch for changes
New confusion, dizziness, falls, stomach upset, a change in appetite or sleep, or a new rash can all be related to medications. Write down what you see and when it began, and share it with the prescriber.
7. Review the list after every change
After a hospital stay or a specialist visit, sit down with the list and compare it to what is actually in the house. Remove stopped medications from the supply so they are not taken by mistake.
Taking this off your plate
Medication management is one of the most valuable parts of what I do. I order and pick up prescriptions, speak directly with the doctors about refills and new medication needs, keep a single accurate list and update the family every week. If that would help your family, I would be happy to talk.
Let me take care of the rest.
Learn how Medication & Prescription Management works, or share a few details and I will reach out personally.
Reserve Your ConsultationThis article is for general education and is not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your loved one's own doctors and care team.