Most elderly individuals have to take multiple medications a day due to chronic conditions like blood pressure, diabetes, and heart diseases. Coupled with forgetfulness, missing a dose or overdosing poses vital risks.
Tips for Safe Medication Use
- Weekly Pill Organizers: Get weekly pillboxes with morning, noon, evening, and night compartments. Sort the medications completely into the box every Sunday.
- Phone Alarms: Set special reminders for medication times on the elderly person's or the caregiver's phone.
- Doctor's Supervision: Do not allow them to use over-the-counter painkillers or herbal supplements on their own, as these may interact with existing medications.
Always remember to keep an up-to-date copy of the medication list in the elderly person's wallet or emergency bag.
