Nearly 9 out of 10 seniors take one or more prescription medications, and many older adults have prescriptions for two or more drugs. If you’re one of them, the medications prescribed by your healthcare provider are likely an important part of your treatment plan. Taking them appropriately and safely can have a positive impact on your well-being. Here’s what you need to know about managing your medications.
Organize Medications for Easy Access
Each medication comes with its own dosing schedule and instructions. You may take some medications once per day, while others may require multiple daily doses. There are medications that are best taken with meals and others that get administered on an empty stomach. Your healthcare provider might also give you additional instructions, such as not lying down for a set length of time after taking a drug.
Following the specific guidance given for each drug helps to ensure effectiveness and may minimize the risk of side effects, and getting organized can make doing so simpler. Start by creating a daily routine for your medications. Write it down on a piece of paper, set reminder alarms on your phone, or use an app to store and manage your schedule. After a few days of sticking to your schedule, you’ll begin to form habits, making it less likely that you’ll miss doses.
Organizing your medications can be helpful, too. Consider using a divided pill container marked with the days of the week, or ask about pre-sorted blister packs that arrive with your medications already sorted and ready to take. Some pharmacies also offer medication organization services for seniors who take multiple drugs. Your pharmacist can provide you with information about these programs.
Watch for Drug Interactions and Side Effects
Certain medications can interact with other drugs, potentially leading to health complications. Over-the-counter drugs and even some supplements can negatively interact with some medications. As a result, it’s important to let all your healthcare providers know about the medicines and supplements you take. When you do, mention over-the-counter medications that you may take occasionally, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for headaches or joint pain, as well as your daily prescription medications and supplements.
Side effects are another area of concern related to medication. Most drugs do have the potential to cause side effects, but not everyone who takes medications will experience them. Before taking a new medication, discuss these potential side effects with your healthcare provider. Ask what you should be on the lookout for and what to do if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Keep your healthcare providers updated about side effects when they do occur. They may be able to provide you with advice on how to manage or avoid them or switch your medications to help you avoid side effects that interfere with your daily activities.
Use Natural Remedies and Supplements Appropriately
Natural remedies and supplements are popular among seniors. While some can complement traditional treatments for illnesses and chronic conditions, it’s important to approach these natural solutions with caution. Like medications, supplements and natural remedies can pose a risk for side effects and drug interactions, and some may not be suitable for seniors with certain health concerns.
Before trying any new supplement or natural remedy, discuss it with your healthcare provider. Let them know what you hope to gain from the product or remedy and ask for their opinion. If they agree that a particular supplement may be beneficial, discuss how much you should take and how best to use it. As you follow their advice, keep an eye out for any side effects, just as you would when starting on a new prescription drug.
Seek Support for Your Health
Medication management often works best as a team effort. Reviewing your medications regularly with your healthcare providers can help keep you on the right track. Notify them about side effects and any challenges that you face related to your medications. Together, you can continue to refine and improve your treatment plan as needed to support your overall health and well-being.
Our team here at Brandermill Woods, a retirement community near Richmond, VA, is also here to help. From providing scheduled transportation to doctor's appointments for our Independent Living residents to medication management assistance for members of our Assisted Living community to round-the-clock care in our Skilled Nursing community, we offer varying levels of healthcare support to suit the needs of seniors. Contact us today at (804) 621-7328 to learn more about our healthcare services and many amenities that can contribute to your healthy lifestyle.
