One of the most challenging aspects for seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer’s is consistently taking their required medication and doing so at the right time and according to doctor’s orders. Depending on a patient’s physical and mental health requirements, several different medications will typically need to be managed. Medication management can become quite complicated, and handling it correctly is essential to a senior citizen’s health and well-being.
To help the caregivers of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia better navigate the medication management process, we’ve established a quick guide of vital steps.
Communicate with Physicians: It is critical for anyone managing medication for an Alzheimer’s patient to have direct communication with the primary care physician and any specialists who have prescribed prescription drugs to them. From Alzheimer’s-specific treatments to prescriptions and supplements for additional medical issues, there’s a significant potential risk for adverse drug interactions or unexpected side effects – unless everyone involved understands what the others are doing. Therefore, caregivers must be vigilant about informing each healthcare team member about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medication the patient is taking. Be sure to mention everything, including herbal or vitamin supplements. Have a detailed list of current drugs and dosages at every appointment so that each doctor knows the actions of any other team member. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or address concerns about any individual medications – what they do, what interactions may exist, and what potential side effects you should be looking for. The National Institute on Aging provides helpful worksheets to help consolidate all these details.
Remain Consistent and Organized: Many seniors with Alzheimer’s have several medical conditions in addition to dementia, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. They also often have tangential illnesses such as anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, depression, or aggression. Each of these conditions may have an associated medication – and as the patient’s condition progresses and worsens, it will become more challenging to remember which drugs to take and when. Managing a long list of prescription medications can be complex and confusing for anyone, so it will be necessary to implement organizational practices to keep everything in order. Caregivers should develop a routine and a schedule for their loved one’s medication plan, utilizing tools such as daily pill organizers to file every prescription drug, over-the-counter medication, vitamin, and supplement in their place. Establish alarms to remind the patient to take their medication, and have the pills arranged in such a way that they know exactly what to take next. Some seniors find it comfortable and familiar to keep a notebook and write it down each time they take a specific medication. These daily logs can give them a visual even if they forget the last time they took their dosage.
Caregivers should also establish a system to ensure prescriptions are filled and picked up on schedule. If even a single dose is missed because of a mistake or delay, it could be dangerous to their health regimen. With an organized system, your loved ones will be provided with the medication they require at the appropriate time.
At some point, a dementia patient will lose the ability to have control of their own prescriptions. At this point, they will rely on a caregiver to help them stay on schedule. If your senior loved one lives in a memory care facility, medication management is likely part of their standard set of services.
A Banyan Residence is a memory care center and assisted living residence located in The Villages.
