Everyone wants their elderly relatives to stay healthy and receive the best care possible. Unfortunately, as people age, they may forget to take their medication or take the wrong pills. In this blog post, we will discuss what to do if elderly relatives frequently mix up their pills and medication.
Senior Helpers Spokane is an in-home senior care company that can help elderly individuals who need assistance with medication management. We will explain why elderly individuals may mix up their medication, as well as share helpful strategies for managing their medications.
Reasons Why Elderly Relatives May Mix Up Their Pills and Medication
It is important to understand why elderly relatives may be confused about their medication. As people age, their memory may become impaired due to age-related illnesses such as dementia or Alzheimer's.
Additionally, aging can lead to changes in vision and hearing, both of which can make it difficult to read labels or understand instructions. Elderly individuals may also be on multiple medications, which can further complicate the situation and make it difficult to remember which pills need to be taken and when.
How to Help Seniors Avoid Medication Mix-ups
Use Pill Boxes
One of the easiest ways to help elderly relatives keep track of their medication is to use pill boxes. Pill boxes have sections divided by days and times of the day. This allows pills to be sorted out and labeled according to when they should be taken. This can be especially helpful if the elderly person is on multiple medications as it helps to avoid confusion.
Set Up a Reminder System
Another way to help elderly relatives remember to take their medication is to set up a reminder system. This can be done by setting up a calendar or reminder on a phone or computer. It is also important to make sure elderly relatives know when to take their medication. Speak with their doctor or pharmacist to find out if there are any particular times when a medication should be taken.
Ask for Help
It is also important to ask for help from family and friends. Many elderly individuals want to remain independent, but it is important for them to understand that asking for help is okay. Family and friends can assist by picking up prescriptions and refilling pill boxes. It can also be helpful to have a friend or family member double-check the pill box to ensure the correct pills are being taken at the right time.
Hire a Caregiver
When family and friends cannot offer assistance, it may be necessary to hire a caregiver. Caregivers are trained professionals who are knowledgeable about medication management and can ensure that elderly relatives are taking the correct medication.
Senior Helpers Spokane is an in-home senior care company that provides medication management services. They have years of experience and can provide personalized care to meet the individual needs of the elderly person.
Senior Helpers Provides Customized Senior Care Services
When elderly relatives frequently mix up their pills and medications in the Spokane, Coeur D'Alene, Post Falls, Sandpoint, Rathdrum, Hayden, and Moscow areas, it is important to take steps to ensure their medication is being taken correctly. Pill boxes, reminder systems, and asking for help from family and friends can all be beneficial.
If you need help with medication management for your elderly relative, contact Senior Helpers Spokane today! We can provide the assistance and care that your elderly relative needs.