A Guide to Medication

A GUIDE TO MEDICATION OBSTACLES

“I was discharged from the hospital with so many new medications and don’t even know what I’m taking them for.”

As your senior’s health changes, medication requirements often change as well. Oftentimes, hospital stays result in several medication changes, including adjustments in dosages, removal of some, and the addition of new ones. This cumbersome process can leave room for errors. Fortunately, there are steps you can take that may help prevent errors when medication changes occur. Discharge Tip Prior to being discharged, ask the nurse to review the updated list of medications with you. It’s important for you and your loved one to understand the reason they’re taking

Repeat back what each medication. each medication is and what they treat. This tactic will help You’ll also be given a list with this information on the discharge in becoming familiar paperwork. If any of this information with each. looks inaccurate or confusing, ask the nurse to check with the doctor or other health care providers to confirm accuracy. If possible, have a family member or friend with you during this time. There’s typically a lot to take in at once and they can assist with asking any clarifying questions as well as taking notes. Follow up with their primary care provider after any hospitalization. The provider can review the discharge medications with you and update their medical records. This is

also a great opportunity to discuss any further questions you or your loved one may have after leaving the hospital.

“I’ve been out of my medication for three days. I’m not sure how to get more.”

Another obstacle is running out of medication. Making a plan of how your loved one will access medications is essential and may help prevent missed doses.

If transportation is an issue, look into mail delivery options, which can bring medications right to their doorstep or seek assistance from family members or friends. Home caregivers, aides or companions are also available to provide transportation to the pharmacy.

Keeping a schedule with estimated refill timeframes for each medication will help keep them on track and prevent missed doses. Try to make it a habit of refilling medication a few days or a week before they’re out.

Perhaps the medications are too expensive, and your senior loved one can’t afford them. If they are struggling to pay for medications, ask the primary care provider about alternate medication options or the pharmacy for recommended resources. The medication obstacles your loved one faces can be difficult but remember there’s a lot of help available. Your health care team, family and friends are all important resources who can work together with Your loved one may you to ensure your loved one takes have spilled some their medications as prescribed. With pills, misplaced the bottle, or accidentally taken the support of everyone involved, it’s possible to overcome any obstacle an extra dose. and maintain excellent medication compliance.

Include each medication with an explanation of what it treats. Doing so may bring to light any medications that are duplicating efforts or no longer necessary. Keep the list—a printed and digital copy—easily accessible in case of emergency. Checkpoints