Why Seniors Struggle With Medications and How to Help

Seniors often encounter hurdles that make it challenging for them to stick to their medication schedules, affecting medication adherence and their overall health as well. Finding excellent and efficient solutions is crucial for ensuring they receive the full benefits of their medications.

• Challenges That Seniors Face With Medication Issues

  Seniors can be forgetful, and they may tend to forget to take their medications. Seniors often have multiple prescriptions to take each with a different dosing schedule. Arthritis or other physical limitations can make it challenging for seniors to open medication bottles or swallow pills. Some seniors may skip doses or reduce their medication intake to save money. Seniors may avoid taking medications due to unpleasant side effects. They may not fully understand why they need to take certain medications, leading to non-adherence.

• How to Help Seniors With Medications

  Here are some tips on how to help them manage their medications more effectively:

  • Using a small notebook or smartphone to track all changes can be beneficial. List the medications and hang them in the corner of your house so that they can be seen easily.
  • Simplifying medication schedules and using blister packs or pre-filled medication trays can help reduce confusion.
  • Using easy-to-open containers and discussing alternative dosage forms with a healthcare provider can make medication administration easier.
  • Exploring cost-saving options, such as generic medications or prescription assistance programs, can help alleviate this burden.

  If your senior has an allergy or adverse effects from a specific medication, coordinate with their healthcare providers or a pharmacist for alternative solutions. But it doesn’t mean they have to stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting their healthcare provider.

Store medicines appropriately and in a cool, dry place that is out of reach to children. Check the expiration date and dispose of them properly to prevent harmful and unwanted side effects. Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs can affect how well your medicines work. Be transparent with your doctor about how much you use.

Our caregivers at Lowenhill Home Care Services help your loved ones manage their medications and coordinate with their doctors, especially when they have complex medical challenges. We arrange our home care services in accordance with your loved one’s needs. Contact us now!