Stowell Associates’ Care Management: Medication Management Tips for Seniors

Amazingly, there are more than 10,000 prescription drugs obtainable in the US, and close to one-third of all adults take five or more of these medications each day. If you happen to be a family caregiver for an aging loved one, the difficulty of managing medications, interactions and dosages can be challenging. In fact, research shows that 55% of prescription medications are not being taken correctly for a number of reasons, and the consequences can be dangerous.

Reduce the risk for medication mistakes and receive the maximum benefits of the prescription by following these methods from our Butler, WI area home care experts to help manage medication for older adults effectively.

Understand medications from the beginning.If you’re unsure of the proper management or side effects from medications, ask the medical practitioner and/or pharmacist. Be sure to know these particulars:

• The name of the medicine
• What the drug is prescribed for
• How, when and for how long to take the drug
• The correct dosage
• Potential side effects and drug interactions

Additionally, be sure to have your loved one’s medical practitioner periodically perform a medication review to determine which meds are still required and which ones could be eliminated.

Maintain an up-to-date list of medications.Creating a comprehensive listing of all prescribed medications, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins and supplements that your senior loved one takes can be a big help at the health care provider’s office. The list should cover all of the details above, along with:

• The color and shape of the drug (and even a visual of the drug if possible)
• The prescribing physician’s name and contact information
• Date the medication was begun, and whether or not it should be refilled and taken continually
• Date the list was last changed

The care managers and Butler, WI home care specialists at Stowell Associates can help seniors better manage prescriptions, set up medication reminders, and communicate with doctors and pharmacists to make sure medications are being taken correctly. Contact our team today at 414-963-2600 for care in the Milwaukee area or at 262-521-3016 for care in Waukesha and the surrounding areas.