A senior, whether they are living in their own homes or in assisted living accomodation, always benefit from gentle reminders regarding the taking of their medication. Our caregivers here at Hearts at Home Senior Care use a variety of methods to ensure the client doesn’t fall behind in what has been prescribed by the medical professionals.
The Use of Medication Alarms
Medication alarms can be purchased from the local pharmacy and act in a manner that is similar to an alarm clock. The alarm will sound one-time or multiple times per day to indicate that the senior should take the medication at this time. This can be an effective way for the caregiver to maintain the independence of the senior when it comes to take the medication.
Alarms are an effective way to manage the medication of the client, as long the client is aware of the medications which are to be taken at each time and the issue lies within remembering to take the medication on a daily basis. If the client doesn’t have an alarm and would like one this could be done on an outing or shopping trip.
Use Daily Medication Organizers
Daily medication organizers are an effective way to schedule multiple doses of medication per day. These organizers are available at pharmacies, health care solution stores, as well as supermarkets and are available for daily dosages, as well as entire weeks.
Remember, these types of organizers require organization and loading of the medications which are being taken by the patient. The caregiver can assist in the dividing of the medication with the client, or nurses and clients can help to establish the routine and schedule for the dosages available.
Have the Medication Bubble Packed
Pharmacies and health care professionals can make the decision to have the medication pre-packaged in dosages called “bubble packs”. These packages contain enough medication for a week and include dosages for single, even multiple medications per day. Patients that have multiple medications as well as problems remembering to take certain medications, or, have taken incorrect dosages of medications in the past which have been dangerous are often prescribed this technique to ensure that the medication remains stable.
Associate the Dosage with Daily Activities
There are many aspects of the daily routine that can be associated with taking medication. The caregiver can help to attribute these activities with certain times of day when the medication is to be taken. Some medications require that the client eat before, or with the medications, other medications should not be taken within hours of each other. For this reason, associating certain types of medications with certain activities that are completed through the day can be an effective way to avoid forgotten and missed dosages of crucial medication.
Although it can be difficult to remember to take medications on a daily basis when there are multiple doses involved, the caregiver can enable these techniques and ensure that all measures possible are taken to manage correct doses of medication.
So, with the help of our caregivers, our clients and the families of the elderly citizens we look after, be they in their own homes or assisted living facilities, can relax because we are there to help.