January 21, 2022
As adults get older, they’re more likely to take multiple medications to manage chronic conditions. If you’re an older adult, what can you do to ensure that you’re safely managing your medications?
Take Medications Exactly as Prescribed by Your Physician
Taking your medication as prescribed, also referred to as treatment adherence, is the best chance you have at controlling a chronic condition and treating an acute illness. Medication adherence means taking your medication:
- According to the prescribed dosage
- At the right time of day
- The correct number of times a day
- According to the instructions given to you by your doctor; for example, do you need to take your medication with or without food?
Not taking your medication as prescribed increases the risk of your condition getting worse and increases your risk of developing additional health complications.
If you forget to take a dose of your medication, don’t worry. Call your pharmacist and ask them what you should do. Do not double up on your next dose unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist. If you’re constantly missing doses of your medication, consider setting alarms to help you remember.
Talk to Your Doctor Before Starting a New Medication or Supplement
If you’re taking multiple prescription medications, or even multiple over-the-counter drugs and/or supplements, consider keeping an updated list with you at all times. This list should include the name of the medication you’re taking, the dosage, and the reason that you’re taking it. Every time you visit your doctor, take this list with you and review it with them. If your doctor wants to start you on a new medication, this list will be especially important for them to review so they can choose a medication that will not interact with what you’re currently taking.
Store All Medications Properly and Dispose of Expired Medications Properly
Storing medications properly is important for maintaining their effectiveness and safety. Some general recommendations for storing medications include keeping them:
- In a cool, dry place (not all medications can be stored in a refrigerator)
- Away from sunlight
- In their original packaging
If you’re not sure how to store your medication, ask your pharmacist.
If you have medications in your cabinet that you haven’t used in a while, check the expiration date. Expired medications can be ineffective and may even be susceptible to bacterial growth that can be harmful. A good rule of thumb is to check your medicine cabinet every six months for expired medications and to dispose of them properly. If you’re unsure of how to properly dispose of a medication, ask your pharmacist.
Consider Hiring an In-Home Nurse to Help You with Medication Management
If you feel that you’re having trouble safely managing your medications, consider hiring an in-home nurse to help. At JSP Home Care Services, our compassionate nurses provide medication management support to adults who are aging in place. To learn more about how we provide compassionate in-home care to older adults treating a chronic illness, contact us online or call us at 866.860.2528.
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