Navigating Medication Management: Strategies for Seniors and Caregivers

Thanks to advances in science, we are all living longer, healthier lives. Some of those scientific advances include developing more effective medication to treat a wide variety of health issues common among seniors. While medicine improves our quality of life and helps treat or prevent health conditions, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding seniors and medication. 

First, it’s essential to recognize that the way our bodies process medication can change somewhat as we age. For instance, the liver and kidneys might have to work harder to break down the medication and use it effectively. Also, seniors may need to take a few different medications to treat multiple health conditions simultaneously, and it’s vital to understand how the medications interact with each other and if there are any side effects to monitor.

Medication management involves seniors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals working together to ensure that the proper medication is prescribed, the necessary medication is taken safely, and the treatment plan is as effective as possible. One benefit of assisted living and memory care communities like Solterra Senior Living is access to professional caregivers who are well-versed in medication management.

The following overview outlines a comprehensive approach to effective medication management for seniors. It describes the roles of each group (e.g., healthcare providers, seniors, caregivers) and provides strategies to streamline medication management in the caregiving process and optimize seniors’ health.

The Role of Healthcare Providers in Medication Management for Seniors

Excellent health includes regular check-ups and care from experienced healthcare providers. They play a pivotal role in effective and safe medication management in the following areas:

• Prescribing medication – Doctors, nurses, and physician assistants work together to prescribe the most appropriate medication to treat an individual’s health condition, considering age, lifestyle, gender, allergies, general health, and other medications being taken. 
• Dispensing medication – Pharmacists not only ensure that the individual receives the correct medication in the proper dosage but also provide instructions for administration, making sure the patient and caregiver understand the instructions by reviewing them together and being available for questions.
• Monitoring and adjusting medications – In some cases, healthcare providers might need to adjust medication treatment plans, either by changing the medicine itself, discontinuing medicine that is no longer needed, or changing the dose. 
• Educating patients and caregivers – Healthcare professionals are responsible for ensuring their patients and caregivers understand the medication options available, possible side effects, proper dosing, and how to administer the medicine correctly.

Seniors, Caregivers, and Medication Management

Although healthcare providers play an important role in medication management for seniors, the other pieces of the puzzle are the seniors themselves and their caregivers who bear the responsibilities described below:

Administering Medication

In some cases, seniors administer their own medication; in other cases, family or professional caregivers assist. Taking oral medication at the correct times, administering injections safely, using an inhaler effectively, and appropriately applying topical medicine are all examples of ways that seniors and their caregivers can ensure the maximum health benefits from a given medication.

Scheduling Check-ups

Seniors or their caregivers should schedule regular check-ups with healthcare providers to review the treatment plan. During these check-ups, discuss any side effects or changes in health, whether adequate progress is being made, and if alternative treatments should be considered. These medication reviews are also an opportunity to identify potential duplications or interactions across medications.

Adhering to the Treatment Plan

Sometimes, remembering to take medication can be challenging. Other times, seniors might be tempted to stop taking medicine once they start feeling better or their symptoms subside. Ensuring that a patient continues to follow their treatment plan is vital to the success of the treatment and preventing a decline in their health conditions. Organizing medication, setting reminders, and incorporating consistent practices can significantly improve adherence. 

Strategies for Effective Medication Management

Working together, seniors and their caregivers can incorporate several strategies to ensure the safety and efficacy of the medication treatment plan.

To help seniors keep track of their medications, caregivers can:

• Use pill organizers, especially ones that have alarms or reminders.
• Keep a detailed list of all medications, including over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, and supplements.
• Synchronize refills at the pharmacy so that all medications can be picked up simultaneously, minimizing the chances of missed doses.
• Set alarms, reminders, and notifications on smartwatches, phones, clocks, and computers to alert the senior or caregiver when it’s time to take medicine.
• Incorporate the administration of medication into routines like meal times, bedtime, or with their morning coffee.

Communication with Healthcare Providers

Work with your healthcare provider to keep lines of communication open about the medication treatment plan being used.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and raise any concerns you might have. Be sure you understand the medicine’s purpose, potential side effects to watch out for, and whether any alternative therapies might help. 

Let your healthcare provider know you prefer the fewest medications possible. Sometimes, multiple medications can be combined into single-dose formulas for ease of use. With fewer pills to remember to take, there is less opportunity to forget or miss a dose. 

Please alert your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you experience any side effects or changes in your health while taking medication. 

Collaboration with Assisted Living 

Effective medication management for seniors in assisted living or memory care requires collaboration between staff, senior residents, and families. Provide as much detailed information as you can about your loved one’s health and medications, especially dosages or special instructions for administration. Be sure to inform staff of changes to your loved one’s treatment plan or medications. If possible, participate virtually in care meetings where staff discuss medication management for your loved one. 

At Solterra Senior Living, we are dedicated to providing every resident with the right level of care. We work closely with senior residents and their families to ensure that all treatment plans are effective and safe, focusing on optimizing the health of everyone in our care. We would love to speak with you if you would like to know more about our services, amenities, and approach to care! Contact one of our beautiful communities today to find out more.