Did you know that nearly 90% of seniors take some form of prescription drugs? Many of them are also more likely to be taking different medications to treat various conditions.
Old age can pose a lot of health challenges, and although medications help seniors manage them, mixing them up or taking the wrong dose can pose riskier health issues. Luckily, there are trained personal service workers who assist clients with medication in addition to helping them with their day-to-day activities. They usually undertake proper training like the OHS courses to ensure they are knowledgeable and capable of doing what is required of them. However, with proper knowledge and the help of our article, you can also help your loved ones manage their mediation. So keep reading.
How to Help in Medication Management
When it comes to medicines, it is important to take them correctly in terms of dosage and frequency. As a caregiver tasked with the responsibility, you must know exactly what you are doing, especially if the person you are caring for has multiple illnesses or diseases. Here are some tips to help you avoid mistakes and provide proper care.
Gather the Information
You need to have a full medication list from the source and match it to the prescription containers at home. This should be followed by a one-on-one step guide through the containers to understand how and when each medication should be taken. Once you have these details, you will be able to administer the right dosage at the right time.
Set Reminders
Caregiving involves balancing multiple responsibilities, and it's easy to forget to give medication, especially when handling multiple clients. This is why you need to set reminders for each patient and include notes in them about which medications that patient takes and the dosage.
Store The Medication Properly
The best environment for medicine is a cool, dry place, and this is written on most boxes and medical containers. However, many people still keep medicine in their bathroom cabinets or even under the sink storage spaces. What they don't realize is that moisture or heat can affect the drugs. If that’s the case, it's your responsibility to ensure you change the storage location and remember to keep them out of the reach of pets and small children.
Visit the Doctor Regularly
Paying a visit to the doctor will ensure that you are on the latest medication possible. It will also give a healthcare professional a chance to monitor whether the patient is responding to the current treatment or if they need a higher or lower dosage. Also, because seniors face many health issues, regular doctor visits mean they are likely to be diagnosed and addressed early before they progress into worse situations.
Ensure the Instructions Are Clear
With medication, there is nothing more important than following the doctor's instructions. This will go a long way in ensuring that there is minimal chance of negative drug interaction and that the patient won't suffer severe side effects or, by chance, reduce how effective the drug ought to work. If the instructions say to space them out, stand by it to prevent negative effects. Some medications require a full stomach, while others work best before the meal. Be sure to adhere to all these instructions to avoid complications.
To Wrap Up
Taking medication the wrong way can cause adverse effects and even death. Therefore, it’s critical to ensure you know the proper dosage and administration time. Always consult with a doctor if you are unsure or have any questions about the prescription. If you want to include any herbal remedies, supplements, or vitamins in the medication regimen, consult your healthcare provider first.