Staying on top of one's medication routine is always challenging. However, this can be especially difficult for senior relatives. If your senior loved one struggles with health issues, they may need to take multiple medications throughout the day. You may find yourself worrying that they’re not taking the right medication at the right times. In this blog post, we will discuss practical tips for dealing with medication mix-ups.
Reasons Senior Relatives Can Mix Up Their Pills and Medication
To best help your senior loved one, it is important to understand why they may be mixing up or missing doses of their medication.
Poor Eyesight
As your senior loved one ages, their vision typically deteriorates. This can make it difficult for them to see the tiny print and drawings on medication bottles. It can also make it difficult to see what they are pouring into their hands or a cup.
Memory Loss
Your senior loved one may occasionally struggle with memory loss, making it difficult to remember what pill they are supposed to take and when. They might have trouble recalling if they've already taken their medication.
Reduced Motor Skills
Your senior parent might also have difficulty opening the pill containers or reaching into their pockets or purses to get their medication. They might get frustrated and skip a dose.
Potential Health Risks of Skipping Medication
Ensure your senior relative always has access to and takes their medication as prescribed. Skipping doses or mixing up medications can lead to serious health risks, including hospitalization.
Strategies to Help Senior Loved Ones Take Their Pills and Medication
Dealing with medication mix-ups requires taking immediate action. Try a few of these strategies to find the one that works best for your senior parent:
Clear Labels
If you can find prescription bottles with large, clear labels, it can help your senior relative take the correct dosage. Writing out the instructions for each medication makes it easier for them to understand when and how to take their medications.
Pillbox or Pill Organizer
A pillbox or medication organizer can be a great way to stay organized with taking prescription medications. This can help your senior loved one keep track of what pills to take and when — reducing any confusion about doses.
Supervise Usage
You can also make sure your senior loved one takes their medications as prescribed by supervising the dosage. When you give them their medication, it can provide peace of mind for you both.
Set Up a Reminder System
If you cannot be with your senior loved one throughout the day, a reminder system may help. Consider investing in an electronic pillbox or talking medication box that has audible reminders to take medications. You could also set up text message reminders and calendar notifications as backups.
Hire a Caregiver
If you are concerned about your loved one not taking their medication as recommended, hiring a caregiver who can stay with them and oversee the pills helps. This can alleviate your concerns and give you some peace of mind.
Senior Helpers Folsom-Granite Bay Reminds Seniors to Take Their Medications
If you suspect that your senior loved one is skipping doses or taking the wrong medications in Folsom, Loomis, Orangevale, Penryn, Rocklin, or Granite Bay, act quickly. Senior Helpers Folsom-Granite Bay offers assistance when dealing with medication mix-ups and can provide medication reminders for your senior relative. Contact us today to learn more!