How to Help Your Parents Manage Their Medications

As our parents age, managing medications can seem like a full-time job. With multiple prescriptions and dosing schedules, it's like they've got a mini-pharmacy in their kitchen! It is easy to get overwhelmed. But don't worry. We've got this. With a little bit of planning and some handy tips, you can help your parents stay on top of their medications without feeling like you're drowning in pill bottles.

Step 1: Get Organized with a Medication Schedule

First things first: you need a game plan. Creating a medication scheduling is like laying out a road map for all those pills. It'll help you and your parents keep track of what they need to take, when they need to take it, and how much they need. Trust me. This is the foundation for everything else.

Establish a Routine - Try to link their medication times to daily activities, like breakfast or bedtime. When it becomes part of their routine, it's easier to remember.

Step 2: Use Pill Organizers to Simplify

Pill organizers are basically your best friend when it comes to medication management. These handy little boxes have compartments for each day of the week, and some even break it down into morning, afternoon, and evening doses. Fill it up once a week, and you’re golden. It may be necessary to help your parents set up their pill organizers, depending on their memory. If you leave nearby, consider having a weekly dinner where you help them (more or less depending on their need) fill their pill organizers. When choosing a pill organizer, it is important to use one that has times for each time of the day they take medication. For example, don't put morning and bedtime pills in the same opening. If they have pills to take 3 times per day, you need to use a pill organizer with 21 separate openings.

Step 3: Set Up Reminders

In the age of smartphones and apps, why not use technology to keep track of medication times? Setting up alarms on your parents’ phones or using a medication reminder app can help ensure they never miss a dose. If your parents prefer something simpler, old-school sticky notes on the fridge can work wonders too. Sometimes, the basics are all you need.

Step 4: Keep an Updated Medication List

Having a current list of all your parents’ medications is a must. This list should include the name of each medication, the dosage, and any special instructions. It’s not just useful for everyday management, but also for doctor visits or emergencies.

Pro Tip: Create a Health Binder: For the ultimate organization, put this list in a binder along with their insurance information and medical history. It’s like having their entire health history in one handy place.

Step 5: Stay on Top of Medication Reviews

Medications can change over time, so regular check-ins with your parents' healthcare provider or pharmacist are essential. This ensures that all prescriptions are still necessary and that there aren't any unwanted side effects. Anytime your parent visits the doctor, expect for them to have a medication change. Hopefully it won't be every time, but it's better to plan and assume there was a change, to be in the habit of asking or verifying on their patient portal, if they have given you access.

Safety Tip: If the medication changes and they are no longer taking it, DISCARD it! DON'T save it "just in case" they need it in the future. This can be confusing and result in your parent taking more medication than what is safe, potentially resulting in an emergency visit, hospitalization, and even death. I'm not trying to be dramatic, just relaying real concerns when taking

Step 6: Plan for Refills and Consider Delivery Options

The last thing you want is for your parents to run out of a medication they need. Set reminders for refills so they never miss a dose, and consider using automatic refill services from the pharmacy to make life easier.

Explore Delivery Services: If pharmacy trips are a hassle, online pharmacies that deliver right to their door can be a lifesaver. It’s like having a pharmacy on demand—super convenient!

Helping your parents manage their medications doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little organization, the right tools, and clear communication, you can make sure they’re taking their meds safely and on time. You’re doing a great job by being there for them, and with these steps, you can make sure everything runs smoothly. You’ve got this!