()Medication management is often a complex and difficult task. It’s difficult to keep your medications organized with so many doctors and specialists visiting, so many different dosage instructions and so many refill schedules.

It is not surprising that many seniors have difficulty keeping track of their medication.

According to a 2019 survey by the Kaiser Family FoundationThe majority of people 65 years and older (54%) report that they have taken four or more prescription medications.

Although many seniors want to stay independent and manage their medication without the need for a plan, they put themselves at risk. Mismanagement of medication is one of the greatest health risks for seniors. Sometimes, mistakes can lead to serious drug interactions and forced placement in a long-term facility.

Making sure you have the right plan to manage your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can reduce the risk of medication misuse. These tips are from Home Instead Senior Care to help you avoid medication misuse.

* Create a master list. It is easy to lose track and forget about all your prescriptions or supplements. You should keep a record of all your prescriptions, over-the counter medications, and any vitamins or herbs you are currently taking. This list should be shared with all healthcare professionals.

* Enlist a loved one. You will be able to remember all the details you wanted to talk about at a doctor’s visit, including what prescriptions you are on and why. Consider asking a friend or family member to help you keep to your daily routine at home.

* Stay organized. It can be hard to stay on top of multiple prescriptions and dosages. You need to establish a safe and reliable system for managing your medications. Use organizers such as pill boxes and printed trackers. You might consider signing up for Simple Meds, a pharmacy service that organizes and sorts medications. They package each dose in clearly labeled packs that are mailed each month.

* Designate a physician gatekeeper. It is common to see multiple doctors for different health concerns. Although many people assume that doctors communicate with each other, this is not always true. Avoid miscommunication and errors by choosing a single provider to oversee your medication management and overall health.

* Watch for red flags. Changes in mood and side effects like weight gain, insomnia, constipation, or weight gain are all signs that medications may be adversely interacted. An empty pill bottle could indicate that you have missed doses. Reach out to your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about a prescription.

Visit this site to learn more about the resources that are available for medication management. www.LetsTalkAboutRx.comOr call us Home InsteadFind an office near you