Essential Safe Medication Practices for Healthy Senior Living
Many seniors are managing one or more chronic conditions, and medication is often a focal point of health management. In fact, over half of older adults report taking four or more prescription medications.
In senior living communities like LakeHouse Coldwater, we recognize the importance of safe medication practices. We also recognize that many of our senior residents struggle to stay on top of safe usage on their own.
What are we doing to keep our seniors safe? What medication safety tips do we provide to our residents and their family members? Read on to find out.
Update Your Medication List
When was the last time you reviewed all of the medications you take? Creating an up-to-date list of every prescription, over-the-counter drug, and supplement you take is an important first step.
In your list, make sure to include:
- The name of each medication
- When you started taking it
- Why you're taking it
- Who prescribed it (if relevant)
- Dosage instructions
Make several copies of this list for you and anyone on your healthcare team. This includes assisted living caregivers, family members, and doctors. Leave your own copy somewhere visible, like the fridge or kitchen counter.
Talk to Your Doctor About Safe Medicine Usage
Seniors may see a variety of doctors and specialists to manage their medications. Seniors who have recently relocated may begin seeing a new primary care provider for the first time in years.
No matter what your healthcare team looks like, it's important to talk to your primary care doctor about safe medicine usage, especially if you take multiple drugs.
Bring your updated medication list to your next appointment. This will help your doctor assess and prevent the potential dangers of polypharmacy (the use of multiple prescription drugs).
Use Medication Management Tools
Some seniors struggle to stick to their daily medication schedule. They may forget to take a medication or accidentally take more than one dose a day.
Medication management tools can help keep you on track. This includes things like:
- Pill organizers
- Blister packs
- Medication reminder alert systems or apps
These tools can provide visual aids to remind seniors what they have already taken for the day and what they still need to take.
Streamline Your Healthcare
As we mentioned earlier, seniors often see multiple specialists in addition to their primary care provider. Some seniors may even pick up prescriptions at multiple pharmacies.
Whenever possible, streamline your care by eliminating unnecessary extra steps. For example, find out if you can get all your prescriptions at one pharmacy.
More importantly, work with your healthcare providers to create continuity of care. This involves communication between different doctors and specialists to ensure that everyone on your healthcare team has full access to your medical records and updates.
Store Medication Properly
Proper medication storage serves several functions, including:
- Maintaining efficacy
- Preventing contamination and drug interactions
- Increasing safety for all household members, including pets
Many medications should be stored in a low-sunlight, dry, cool environment. Some medications have specific storage rules that you need to follow. For example, patients should store certain types of insulin in the fridge.
It's also important to keep track of medication expiration dates. Once a medication has expired or you no longer need to take it, you can bring it to your pharmacist for proper disposal.
Take Medication as Prescribed
Proper medication administration is one of the most important elements of elderly medication care. This means taking the right dosage of your medication and following all specific instructions.
For example, you may need to take some medication on an empty stomach and others after eating. In this case, you can't take all of your medications at the same time.
Over or underdosing can also have serious health consequences. If you've lost your pharmacy-provided medication guide, contact your doctor or pharmacist to verify your dose.
Ask for Senior Medication Management
There are many signs that a senior could benefit from assisted living. Personal caregivers can provide assistance with a wide variety of daily tasks, including medication management.
Medication management involves:
- Keeping a senior on their medication schedule
- Overseeing dosage and administration
- Transporting seniors to all healthcare appointments
- Participating in a senior's continuity of care
With assisted medication management, you can rest assured that the safety tips listed here will be followed each day.
FAQs About Safe Medication Practices
When we talk to seniors and their family members about safe medication practices, a few questions tend to come up. Before we conclude, take a look at some of our most frequently asked senior medication questions.
Are OTC Drugs and Supplements Considered Medications?
While you can buy and take over-the-counter drugs and supplements without a prescription, you should still include them in your medication list. You should also consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking something new. Some OTC drugs and supplements can interact with certain medications (e.g., by reducing efficacy).
Does Medication Management Include Skilled Nursing?
Medication management and skilled nursing are not the same thing. Skilled nursing involves 24-hour medical care facilitated by registered nurses. Learn more about the differences between medication management and skilled nursing to decide which one is best for you or your loved one.
Where Can I Learn More About My Medication?
As we mentioned already, it's important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any medication questions you may have. In addition, you may be able to find information about your prescriptions through your digital health portal. You can also use FDA resources to review medication guides and instructions for use.
We Prioritize Elderly Medication Care at LakeHouse Coldwater
Seniors are more likely than other age groups to need one or more prescription medications. Following safe medication practices can improve senior health outcomes. For many seniors, this requires hands-on assistance.
At LakeHouse Coldwater, our professional caregivers participate in the well-being of our residents every day. In addition to planning enriching activities and facilitating communal meals, our caregivers provide medication management services to keep seniors safe and healthy. Contact us to learn more about our assisted living amenities.