Rattling off a list of prescription and over-the-counter medications taken daily is difficult enough on a good day, and when an elderly individual faces a stay in the hospital, it’s easy to miss something. The best solution is to stay organized!
Creating a medication sheet is a simple and effective way to organize daily prescriptions, keep track of when and how to take medications, and have easy access to contact information for the physician who prescribed the medication. First on the sheet should be the patient’s name along with any medication allergies he or she has. For the medications the person is currently taking, make sure to include the following information for each prescription:
- Name of the medication
- Why the patient takes it
- Dose information
- When the medication is taken
- How it is taken
- The name and contact information of the doctor who prescribed the medication
- Possible side effects or warning signs
Make sure to include a list of all over-the-counter medications the patient uses and why they are used. This list will prove helpful during emergencies, hospital stays, routine doctors’ appointments, or even as part of your own personal medication reminder system.
Maintaining proper drug adherence can become more and more difficult as a person ages. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance, contact the expert caregivers at Live Free Home Health Care of Central New Hampshire at 603-217-0149. We can help you set up a medication adherence routine, provide regular medication reminders, provide transportation to pick up prescriptions and much more.