Medication Management Tips for Seniors

Proper medication management is essential for seniors and their caregivers in order to prevent complications, adverse interactions, and incorrect doses. This especially applies to seniors because they often take multiple medications for a range of conditions at the same time, an issue known as polypharmacy. Here are some tips and insights from short term rehab specialists at our assisted living facility in Gloucester County, NJ.

• What is the medication treating? Every pharmacy label should explain what the medication is for and how to take it properly. This information outlines the specifics of each medication (some to be taken with food, others shouldn’t be taken at night, etc.) and helps prevent cases in which certain symptoms are being treated with multiple medications when one will do.
• Stay organized. Whether you are managing medication for yourself or for a loved one, organization is key. Keep all medications in a secure, designated cupboard in a cool room and out of the sun. Regularly check medications for their expiration date and sort them each week into a pill organizer to ensure the correct daily doses of each medication. Remember that antibiotic courses must be completed in order to be effective.
• Bring medications to the physician. Seniors often have specialist physicians as well as their own general practitioners which can complicate medical treatments. By bringing currently prescribed medications or a current, detailed list of medications to the doctor, they can easily see the patient’s taking and the prescribed dosage, allowing them to treat the patient more effectively.
• Know the side effects: Knowing the possible side effects of your medications makes it easier to recognize new symptoms and conditions, as opposed to symptoms that may be a reaction to medication.
• Special medication management for cognitively impaired While many seniors can manage their medication with minimal assistance, caregivers of individuals with cognitive impairments including Alzheimer’s and dementia should take full control of their medication, even in earlier stages. Since these patients are at high risk of forgetting their medication entirely or accidentally overdosing, proper precautions can help prevent adverse consequences.

Short term rehabilitation services from our assisted living community in New Jersey

Pitman is an assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ, offering high-quality short-term rehabilitation services to seniors in our rehab center and our Transitions program. As part of the United Methodist Communities network, we offer these services in addition to assisted living services, hospice care, respite care and memory support services.

Ideal for seniors wanting professional assistance while recovering from illness or surgery, as well as those wanting to try out and get to know our assisted living community.  We welcome seniors from all faith backgrounds.

To find out more about our short term rehab services or assisted living community, please contact us today or book a personal tour.