At Senior Living Specialists, we know that one of the biggest struggles you can have as the caregiver to an aging loved one is around medication management. It can often be one of the early signs that your loved one is ready for assisted living care when they can no longer take proper dosages or stay on the correct schedule.
It is important as a caregiver to continue to stay involved with medication management even after your loved one has moved into a care facility. Here are some tips you can use to help keep the care facility, healthcare providers, and family members on the same page with medication.
1. Communicate Everything
Good communication between the assisted living facility and the caregiver is essential. Both parties should have a clear understanding of the elderly person’s medical conditions, medications, and any special instructions or precautions.
2. Know the Medication Schedule
The assisted living facility and the caregiver should work together to develop a consistent and reliable medication schedule. This will help to ensure that the elderly person receives their medications on time and in the correct dosage.
3. Write Down All Details
Keeping accurate records of the elderly person’s medications, dosages, and any side effects or reactions is important. The assisted living facility and the caregiver should work together to keep these records up-to-date.
4. New Medications Need Extra Monitoring
The assisted living facility and the caregiver should work together to ensure that the elderly person’s medications are stored safely and securely. This will help to prevent any accidents or mismanagement of medications.
5. Secure Medication Storage
The assisted living facility and the caregiver should work together to ensure that the elderly person’s medications are stored safely and securely. This will help to prevent any accidents or mismanagement of medications.
6. Avoid Refill “Interruptions”
The assisted living facility and the caregiver should plan ahead for any medication refills to avoid any interruptions in the elderly person’s treatment. Pay close attention to pharmacy availability especially during the holidays.
7. Coordinate with The Healthcare Provider
The assisted living facility and the caregiver should coordinate with the elderly person’s healthcare provider to ensure that they are following the most up-to-date treatment plan.
By working together, an assisted living facility and a caregiver can ensure that an elderly person receives their medications safely, effectively, and consistently. Good communication and coordination between both parties will help to minimize any confusion or mistakes and ensure that the elderly person’s health and well-being are a top priority.