Many seniors might fail to take their medication on schedule for various reasons. For example, they might refuse to accept pills due to pride, a fear of drugs, or to gain some control over their life. Also, they might forget to take their medication due to a health condition, such as dementia.
As the pills are likely essential for their good health, you must find a solution to the problem. Here are five ways to help an aging relative take their medication.
- Buy a Pill Organizer
A pill organizer could help your aging relative take control of their daily medication. It will ensure they take the correct pill at the appropriate time each day, preventing them from skipping medication or double dosing. Show them how a pill organizer works and ask them to repeat the instructions to ensure they understand how to use it.
2. Download a Medication Tracking App
If your aging relative is tech-savvy, download a medication tracking app onto their smartphone or tablet. It can send them a reminder to take a pill on a specific day and time, which will ensure they never forget about their medication. Many apps even allow you to take a photograph of a pill to ensure they don’t consume the wrong drug.
3. Consider an Assisted Living Facility
If your loved one often forgets to take their medication, and you can’t be by their side 24 hours per day to remind them to consume a pill, they may need additional support.
For example, an assisted living community can help your aging relative manage their medications each day, which can prevent them from experiencing a serious or fatal health issue. However, according to Brightview, a Baltimore assisted living community, you must research the various options available as soon as possible, as most respected communities will have a waitlist.
4. Use a Traditional Calendar
Mobile apps might be outside of a senior’s comfort zone, and they might prefer a traditional table or wall calendar for tracking medication. Ensure the reminders feature the appropriate days and encourage your aging relative to scratch a medication off their list each time they have taken a pill. It can prevent confusion and ensure they never miss an important dose.
5. Change Their Outlook
If your loved one refuses to take their medication each day out of fear or stubbornness, you may need to reiterate the dangers of skipping their daily pills. If in doubt, their doctor could convince them of the problems they will face if they skip their medication. Also, they might be able to attend psychiatric appointments to help adjust their mindset to taking medication.
If you can simplify medication and provide a loved one with supportive tools, they could take essential pills with ease each day to support their good health. If your loved one continues to struggle to take their medication on schedule, talk to a doctor or pharmacist for ideas to help them take their pills daily. Also, consider additional support, such as a caregiver or an assisted living community.
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