As we age, many of us require medications to manage chronic illnesses, pain, depression and other ailments. For seniors, medication oversight – or medication management – is often helpful in order to make sure that medications are taken correctly and on time.
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), medication nonadherence (not taking medications as prescribed) is a common problem. A failure to take medications can result in poor health outcomes, potential harm to the patient and unnecessary escalation of treatment by doctors.
Medication challenges affect seniors
The American Geriatrics Society estimates that as many as 50% of older adults may not follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations about how to use their medications properly. Certain barriers can cause seniors to miss taking medications, such as:
- A confusing or complex dosing schedule of multiple medications
- Difficulty reading and understanding directions on labels, especially if the print is small
- Trouble opening medicine containers or pouring liquid medications
The AMA says that patients often intentionally don’t take their medications because of a fear of side effects, the cost of the medicine, a lack of understanding about the medication’s benefits and a mistrust of doctors. Patients may stop taking a necessary drug if they think their symptoms have resolved or if they can’t tell a difference in how they feel. However, conditions like hypertension must be managed appropriately even if the patient feels well and doesn’t see a need for the medicine.
Why medication oversight is a good idea for seniors
Taking prescribed medications as directed is an important part of maintaining good health, and having a plan for medication oversight can help seniors stay on track with their treatments.
Experts recommend that seniors make a list of all the medications they take, along with dosages and frequency, and sharing the list with all healthcare providers and caregivers. Seniors can self-manage their medication schedule by using pill organizers, lists and other planning devices, such as phone reminders. However, having the supervision of a loved one or caregiver can be invaluable, especially if memory loss or dementia is an issue.
Caregivers can help with medication oversight by:
- Helping the senior organize their medications and keeping accurate records of what has been prescribed
- Providing reminders and ensuring that the senior takes their medications correctly and on the proper schedule
- Monitoring for adverse side effects or dangerous interactions, including those from food, drinks and over-the-counter supplements and remedies
- Throwing away expired medications and removing dangerous medicines from the home
Kadan Homecare can help with medication oversight
Many families decide that they need help with medication management and oversight when it comes to caring for their loved ones. Perhaps they’ve noticed that mom or dad has been overmedicating or self-medicating, or they’ve forgotten to take medicines altogether. It can be difficult for families to stay on top of medication oversight by themselves, especially if their loved one lives alone, suffers from dementia or lives some distance away.
In these cases, having the assistance of a home caregiver who can offer medication assistance in the comfort of the home can provide invaluable peace of mind. Kadan’s highly qualified and trained caregivers routinely provide medication reminders and supervision to ensure that our clients’ loved ones receive their medication when they need it. For more information or to talk with our team, call 770-396-8997 or email info@kadan.org.
