How Can In-Home Care Workers Help with Medication Reminders for the Elderly?

According to OnlineDoctor, more than four in 10 older adults take five or more prescription medications in a day. Of that number, nearly 20% take 10 or more. Keeping track of multiple medications would be overwhelming to anyone. This is especially the case for seniors who already struggle with confusion or memory loss.

For seniors, a medication mishap can cause a myriad of issues either way. Forgetting to take specific medications can cause symptoms of a condition to flourish. On the other side of the spectrum, there can be dangerous consequences if a senior takes double doses. It is crucial that seniors take the right amount of medication precisely when necessary.

In order to be sure they are, one should consider an in-home care worker to help with medication reminders for the elderly.

Home care workers can help seniors with medication reminders

One of the best ways to be sure an older family member is taking their prescribed medication properly is to set up a reminder system. Home care workers can help seniors create a daily plan that works best for them. This may be creating a routine and setting timed reminders. They can even provide this crucial help as simple as saying, “Remember to take your medication.”

There are even medication reminder apps that seniors can download for push notifications on their phones. Seniors log what prescriptions they are taking, as well as their medication schedule, and receive reminders on their devices. They can be downloaded onto Apple and Android devices alike from the app store. This makes them easy to access for just about anyone.

However, it’s important you do your research to find the application that is best for you. With these reminders, seniors stay on top of their medication schedules. As a result, they don’t have to worry about feeling the negative impacts of a missed dosage.

Caregivers help manage medication

For many seniors, knowing what medications should be taken during specific times of he day is a large part of their problem. Caregivers can help with medication management by keeping seniors organized. For example, create a checklist and tick off taken medication. Use the checklist to keep track of when a refill is due. That way the client has peace of mind knowing they won’t run out and go days without medication. They can also set up a pill organizer.

While a caregiver can most certainly take the lead in helping seniors remember what to take and when, there other useful resources. Pill boxes and other products can help seniors with organization, dispensing, and reminders.

Home caregivers can aid with prescription pick-up

Those with mobility issues dread having to get to the pharmacy to pick up the medications they need. With the help of an in-home caregiver, seniors don’t have to worry about that any longer. They can help facilitate medication pickup and drop-off, so all of a senior’s concerns are lifted off their shoulders.

There are even services that deliver prescriptions straight to a person’s door. Many can be organized via an app on your phone, so all you have to do is press a button to get the prescription you need. Consider exploring this option after a conversation with one’s doctor to ensure one’s medication is included in these plans.

Medication Reminders and Management with Chicago Caregivers

For seniors who require assistance with activities of daily living, Home Care Powered by AUAF can help. Our in-home caregivers have supported seniors in Chicagoland for more than 25 years. This gives them the support they need to live comfortably and confidently.

They can do so much more than help seniors with medication reminders and management. Our services include:

• Personal care
• Meal preparation
• Light housekeeping
• Laundry
• Errands
• Brain games and activities
• Companionship and social interaction

If a family member has already been providing you care, they can be paid for their work through our training program. To learn more about the family caregiver program, or to hire one of our caregivers, call us at 312-971-6321. Our staff offers the diligent care you or a family member need to continue aging in the comfort of your home. For many older adults, this is precisely the thing they need to feel confident in maintaining their independence.