Multiple medications can be difficult to keep track of, especially for older adults or those with cognitive disorders like dementia or Alzheimer’s. 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. Make sure to include the following information for each prescription:
- Name of the medication
- The color and shape of the drug (or a photo of the drug if possible)
- Why the patient takes it
- Dose information
- When and how the medication is taken
- Possible side effects or warning signs
- The prescribing physician’s name and contact information
- Date the medication was started, and whether or not it should be refilled and taken ongoing
- Date the list was last updated
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.
If your loved one needs a little help in order to properly manage his or her medications, contact the expert caregivers at Partners in Healthcare of Altamonte Springs, FL. We can help you set up a medication adherence routine, provide regular medication reminders, provide transport to pick up prescriptions and much more.
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