Are Prescribed Medicines being taken as prescribed…
Often for example as our parents age, ensuring they take their prescribed medications correctly becomes a crucial aspect of their health care.
However, it can be challenging to know if they are adhering to their medication regime. They might be avoiding their medications due to side effects or a dislike for them, or they could be confused about the timing or dosages.
It can be tricky to identify these issues and ensure your parents (or could refer to anyone in your care, but talking about parents as this is often the case) are managing their medications correctly but essential
Signs Your Parents Might Not Be Taking Their Medications
Unexplained Health Changes: If your parents' health suddenly worsens or improves drastically without explanation, it could indicate they're not taking their medications properly.
Confusion and Memory Issues: Seniors might forget to take their medication or confuse the dosages and timing. Look for signs of memory lapses or confusion or anything unusual
Stockpiling Medication: Check if they have an excess of medication that should have been used up, indicating they might be skipping doses.
Behavioural Changes: Noticeable changes in mood or behaviour generally can be a side effect of not taking prescribed medications.
Physical Symptoms: Symptoms returning or new symptoms appearing can be a sign that they’re not adhering to their medication regime.
Why They Might Be Avoiding Medication
Side Effects: They might be experiencing uncomfortable side effects and choose to skip their doses.
Complex regimes: Multiple medications with different schedules can be overwhelming and confusing.
Denial or Resentment: Some might not believe they need the medication or resent being dependent on it.
Cost Concerns: whilst many elderly have free prescriptions in the UK, high medication costs can lead them to ration or skip doses to save money.
How to Check and Ensure Proper Medication Adherence
Open Communication: Have a candid conversation with your parents about the importance of their medication. Ask them directly if they are taking their medications as prescribed and listen to their concerns. However, remember they may not actually know if they are confused.
Simplify Their Regime: Work with their healthcare provider to simplify their medication schedule, possibly using combination pills or adjusting timings.
Use a Pill Organiser/Dossette Box: Pill organisers can help manage multiple medications and ensure they take the correct doses at the right times and on the right days. These can be organised direct with your dispensing pharmacy.
Set Reminders: Use alarms or phone reminders to prompt them when it’s time to take their medications.
Monitor Supply: Regularly check their medication supply to ensure they are taking their doses consistently.
Medication Review: Schedule regular reviews with their healthcare provider to assess the necessity and effectiveness of their medications. This can also help address any side effects or difficulties they may be experiencing. Its worth taking notes of anything unusual to discuss when you go to these appointments
Assist with Refills: Help them manage prescription refills to prevent running out of medication and missing doses. Many chemists will now take your repeat prescriptions direct from surgery and even deliver if required
Involve Home Care Services: If necessary, consider involving home care services or a visiting nurse to help manage their medication routine.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you notice persistent issues with medication adherence despite your efforts, it might be time to seek professional help. A healthcare provider can reassess their medication regime and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, a geriatric care manager can offer specialised support for seniors managing multiple health conditions.
Checking can make everyone's life easier and happier
Ensuring your parents take their prescribed medications correctly is vital for their health and well-being. By staying vigilant and using a combination of open communication, practical tools, and professional support, you can help them manage their medication regime effectively. Taking these steps not only helps maintain their health but also provides peace of mind for you.
