As your loved one ages, changes in their health and daily routine can increase the risk of them making a mistake with their medication. While you can manage many parts of your loved one's care from a distance, the one thing that you cannot do is administer their medication in person. Fortunately, you can use these strategies to safeguard your loved one's health by establishing protocols for handling their medication that reduce the risk of a life-threatening mishap.
Recognize Times When the Risk is Higher
Senior adults do best when they are able to take their medication according to the prescribed schedule. However, there are many things that can interfere with your loved one's routine and cause them to lose track of when it is time to take their next dose. Experiencing a recent hospitalization or receiving a new prescription are two times when seniors are more likely to have a medication mishap. Arrange for home health care services any time that you think your loved one is at risk for forgetting their medication so that you can be sure that they are safe.
Keep a List of All New Prescriptions
Medication mishaps also involve accidents involving mixing up times or receiving a prescription for medications that your loved one is allergic to. Keep a list of their current prescriptions on file, and ask your loved one to update you anytime their prescriptions change or a new one is added. This allows you to crosscheck with the pharmacy and your loved one's caregiver if you notice signs of a problem such as your loved one demonstrating excessive fatigue or confusion.
Provide Professional Support
There often comes a time when seniors need personal assistance with their medication. When this happens, home health care providers offer a professional caregiver who can come to your loved one's home to check on their medication routine. Whether your loved one just needs a reminder or they need help properly dispensing the correct dose, caregivers assist with medication management without interfering with your loved one's independence. They can also provide you with a medication log that gives you that added reassurance that your loved one is safe.
Dealing with medication becomes more difficult as your loved one advances in age. While you might not be able to be there to dole out their next dose, you can stay on top of their medication routine through maintaining communication with their other caregivers during times when they are most at risk for a mishap. For more information, contact companies like In Your Home Care.
