Helping South Jersey Seniors to Manage Multiple Medications

As people get older in South Jersey, their risk for health conditions increases—as well as the likelihood of having multiple medications to manage. More than half of America’s seniors take five or more prescription drugs regularly, according to results of a national survey conducted by Kelton Research on behalf of Medco Health Solutions, Inc., an international healthcare company. Further, the survey says, 57 percent of seniors surveyed admitted that they sometimes forget to take their medications, and the likelihood of forgetting a medication increases with the number of medications a senior takes.

It’s understandable. Each medication has its own particular schedule to keep track of. Compound all those different schedules with the reduced short-term memory of many seniors, and keeping track of all those medications can quickly become a challenge. Fortunately there are many options available to help seniors manage their medications.

Pill boxes
These simple carriers, available at most pharmacies, are an easy way to organize medications for seniors who have no problem keeping track of the schedules themselves. These organizers can hold pills for a week or even a month at a time. Some organize by meal times, while others break the day down by the hour.

Telephone-based reminders
If your loved one has a tendency to lose track of time and needs reminders when it’s time to take medications, a phone-based service can be a cost-effective option. One of the less costly medication management technologies available, this service will call your loved one at every medication time and remind him to take the appropriate prescription. If he doesn’t answer, they can send a notification to a designated caregiver.

Personal emergency response systems
Some personal emergency response systems (PERS) come equipped with an alarm for medication reminders. These systems are often placed in pendants or bracelets so it is always with your loved one to remind him of when to take medications. In addition to the alarm sound, many vibrate, making it easier to remind those who are hearing impaired.

Electronic pill dispensers
These sophisticated machines can be preset to dispense pills on a programmed schedule. When it is time for a medication, an alarm goes off and the appropriate medication is released. Some electronic dispensers offer remote programming, web-based connections and other high-tech features. This technology is pricier than many other medication management tools and relies on the senior’s ability to accurately put the medications in the proper places and program it, or to have a caregiver present to do so.

In-home care
An extra helper can ease the mind of a concerned caregiver. If you’re not sure that your loved one can consistently take medications properly on his own, an in-home care service, like Right at Home’s  wellness services can help by making sure prescriptions are taken as directed.

There are many options available to help you and your loved one keep track of multiple medication regiments to stay healthy and live life to the fullest—without the stress of worrying over whether your loved one is taking them properly. Depending on your loved one’s abilities, one of these medication management tools is sure to simplify medication management for you both. For more information about Right at Home in South Jersey, visit our website.