If your senior parent is living alone one of the tasks that they might find challenging is managing their medications. Seniors can take as many as five or more medications regularly, depending on their health. So it’s easy to see why they might have trouble making sure they are taking all their medications on time. One of the ways that you can help your mom or dad manage their medications is to get home care services.
If your mom or dad has home care a home care provider can remind your mom or dad when it’s time to take their medications. A home care provider can also fill pill organizers, make sure medication that needs to be refrigerated is in the fridge, and pick up refills of medications at the pharmacy so that your mom or dad doesn’t run out of their medications.
You can help your mom or dad manage their medications by doing things like:
Create a Medication Schedule
One of the best ways to help your mom or dad stay on track with their medications is to create a clear and easy-to-follow schedule. Write down all the medications your parent takes, including the name, dose, and time of day it should be taken. You can organize this into a chart or checklist. Make it large so they can read it easily. Post it somewhere visible, like on the fridge, so it’s easy to refer to every day. A schedule that they can check daily makes it easier for your mom or dad to know when to take their medications.
Use a Pill Organizer
A pill organizer is a simple tool that can make a big difference. These containers have separate compartments for each day of the week and sometimes even for different times of the day. You can fill out the organizer weekly to ensure your parent knows exactly which pills to take and when. This eliminates the guesswork and lowers the risk of missing doses or taking too much.
Set Reminders
If your parent has trouble remembering to take their medications, setting reminders can be a great solution. Use alarms on their phone, a smartwatch, or a voice assistant like Alexa to send reminders at the right times. Using an alarm clock can work too, if your mom or dad isn’t very comfortable with technology.
Keep Medications in One Place
To avoid losing or mixing up medications, designate a specific area in the house to store them. Choose a spot that is easy for your parent to access and in a place that they visit often during the day, like the kitchen. Use labeled containers or baskets to keep everything organized. Avoid storing medications in places with high humidity, like the bathroom, as this can affect their quality. Make sure that all medications are placed where your mom or dad can easily reach them.
Monitor Refills and Expiration Dates
Staying on top of refills ensures your parent never runs out of their medications. Check how many pills are left each week and call the pharmacy or doctor in advance to get new prescriptions as needed. Also, regularly check the expiration dates on all medications so that your mom or dad isn’t taking expired medications.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Forest Heights TN, please get in touch with the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (865) 539-5224
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Knoxville, Old City, Fort Sanders, Old Sevier, Edgewood, North Knoxville, Forest Heights, Sequoyah Hills, Knox County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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