As we age, we become more dependent on medications that help us lead healthy lives. It can be confusing keeping track of which pill to take when, at what time and dosage, with food, milk or water, and, well, you get the idea.
It’s a lot to swallow! Studies show that many people over the age of 65 take up to seven prescription drugs a day. So, it’s easy to become confused, especially if you take medications at various times. Here are some helpful steps seniors and their caregivers can take to eliminate uncertainty and ensure medications are being taken safely and in the proper dose.
Keep all medications in one place, stored and locked, away from children and pets. It’s also much easier to stay organized by keeping them in one location.
Pre-sort medications for the week. Pill organizers with multiple compartments for each dose taken throughout the day will eliminate confusion. If pills need to be split in half, it’s a good idea to do that at the beginning of the week.
Keep an updated list of all medications and write down how often each drug is taken, the dosage, the reason for taking the drug and the healthcare provider who prescribed each medication. Don’t forget to include a list of emergency numbers. This information will be an invaluable resource.