Our Ask An Angel correspondent is Arlene Petersen, Certified Senior Advisor and Life Care Navigation Specialist in the area of senior home care.
Q: After reading last monthās article, I realized that I have to take some action steps with my medications. I know that I leave mine on the counter so that I can see them and remember to take them. Do you have any safe and practical tips to help me manage my medications?
A: Taking medications improperly can cause problems. I have witnessed this when Iāve worked with aging adults. Taking medications incorrectly can land you right in the hospital. As a matter of fact, that is the number one reason for hospitalizations and readmissions.
B: Did you know that older adults use more medicationsāprescription, over-the-counter (OTC), and supplementsāthan any other age group in the U.S. This group comprises 13% of the population, but accounts for 34% of all prescription medication use and 30% of all OTC drug use (those available without a prescription).
Here are recommendations from MUST (Medication Use Safety Training for Seniors):
1. Set a daily routine to help you remember when to take your medication. Our habits help us remember.
2. Make a list of all your medication instructions and use this as a checklist. Keep it near your medication and mark off when you have taken each dose.
3. Use sticky notes to help you jog your memory. Keep the sticky notes in clear view to help you remember to take your medication.
4. If necessary, count your pills. If you know how many pills you have left, it will be easier to figure out if youāve missed a dose or already taken one.
5. Ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist about using a pill box organizer or other aid.
6. Set an alarm. The alarm on your clock radio or cell phone can help you remember to take medication.
7. Use technology. Smart phones or other handheld devices can provide texts, emails, or other reminders to help you keep track of your medication schedule. Ask a friend, caregiver, or your cell phone provider if you need help with these devices.
8. Bring another set of ears. Bring a trusted friend, family member, or caregiver along to the doctor or pharmacy if you think you might need help understanding or remembering instructions.
9. Mark it on your calendar. Write the date you are due for your next refill or follow-up appointment on your calendar.
10. Talk to your pharmacist about scheduling medication refits at the same time, if possible.
If youād like more information about medication management, give me a call and I will be happy to send you a brochure about this. I can be reached at 847-429-0100.
Have a question for our angel correspondent? You can send our angel an email to apetersen@visitingangels.com or send your question via mail to Ask An Angel, 65 Woodbury St., South Elgin, IL 60177.
