{"id":9799,"date":"2019-11-11T16:36:54","date_gmt":"2019-11-11T16:36:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.advanceddoctorsaco.org\/?p=9799"},"modified":"2019-11-11T16:36:54","modified_gmt":"2019-11-11T16:36:54","slug":"tips-to-avoid-medication-mix-ups","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nhealthnetworkpartners.com\/?p=9799","title":{"rendered":"Tips to Avoid Medication Mix-Ups"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Do you take medication daily? If so, you aren’t alone. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 76% of Americans age 60 or older use two or more prescription drugs a day, and 37% use five or more every day. Add vitamins and over-the-counter medications to the mix, and there’s a real chance for confusion.<\/p>\n

Two common concerns when managing medications include keeping track of multiple medications, and remembering whether or not a medication has been taken. Here’s a list of tools to help keep you organized and reduce your chances of a medication mix-up.<\/p>\n

Reminders<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instead of relying on your memory to keep to your medication schedule, use a simple alarm or alert that can be set on a watch, a cell phone or a computer. If you use a service, such as a personal emergency response system or other monitoring service, see if they offer a medication reminder call. You can also check with your local senior service organizations regarding any phone reminder assistance that might be available.<\/p>\n

Medication Cassettes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Keep track of your medications by using a medication cassette, or pill box. These plastic organizers are available in a variety of colors and sizes and allow you to put the pills into individual sections labeled for day of the week or time of day, such as breakfast\/lunch\/dinner.<\/p>\n

Plastic Pill Packs<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sold in bulk, these are small, plastic, pocket-sized zip top pouches that allow a person to write any info on it such as pill name, schedule, or other notes, such as take with liquid or food, take at bedtime, and so on.<\/p>\n

Blister Packs<\/strong><\/p>\n

Blister packs look like an 8 x10 sheet of cardboard with plastic bubbles that are pre-filled by a pharmacy with the appropriate medications and vitamins associated with a particular day and time. You simply pop out the medications from the blister pack to use them. Blister packs are often used when a person is discharged from a hospital, particularly if new medications have been prescribed.<\/p>\n

Automated Medication Dispenser<\/strong><\/p>\n

If security is a concern, you can purchase or rent an automated medication dispenser. With this in-home device, you can organize and load medications into the machine and then lock it. The machine is programmed to dispense medications on a schedule that sounds an alarm when it’s time to take the medication.<\/p>\n

Pre-fill Services<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some people find it easier to pre-fill their medications a week at a time. Ask your pharmacy if they offer pre-fill services. They may be able to pre-fill the medications utilizing the blister pack or pill box organizers, as well as insulin syringes for people with a regular, stable dose. Not all pharmacies offer pre-fill services, and some may charge a fee, but it may help you keep your medications organized and easier to take.<\/p>\n

\u201cHelpful Tips for Avoiding Medication Mix-ups\u201d at https:\/\/caregiving.genworth.com\/caregiving-resources-articles\/-\/carelib\/articles\/119364\/Helpful-Tools-for-Avoiding-Medication-Mix-ups<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>

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