Medication Reminder

When it comes to medication management, sometimes seniors forget to take their medication. Missing medication may significantly impact your loved one’s health. Your loved one may experience negative side effects from not taking their medications, taking the incorrect medication in error, or by taking the wrong dose. Your In Good Hands Home Healthcare Caregiver will ensure that your loved one takes their medication on time with the correct dose.

Overdose vs. Underdose

Both overdosing and underdosing medication is harmful to your elderly parent. Underdosing can negatively impact your loved one’s health by not reaching adequate therapeutic levels. Overdosing can also be harmful, especially when multiple prescriptions change. In Good Hands Home Healthcare Caregivers will ensure that your loved one always takes the correct dose as prescribed by a medical professional. The Health Care Aids receive the proper training regarding medication administration, as over-seen by the Licensed Practical Nurse

Why Medication Management & Reminders Are Important

Taking medication as prescribed is extremely important to your elderly parents. The time of day the medication is taken is important as well as the frequency. For instance, Warfarin, which is a blood thinner can have very serious side effects. Underdosing can lead to the formation of a serious blood clot requiring a visit to the hospital and even possible admission. On the contrary, overdosing can lead to dangerous anti-coagulation of the blood and subsequent bleeding, especially with falls or trauma. Taking medication as prescribed is extremely important to your elderly parents. The time of day the medication is taken is important as well as the frequency. For instance, Warfarin, which is a blood thinner can have very serious side effects. Under dosing can lead to the formation of a serious blood clot requiring a visit to the hospital and even possible admission. On the contrary, overdosing can lead to dangerous anti-coagulation of the blood and subsequent bleeding, especially with falls or trauma. Notably, even over the counter medication such as Tylenol can be detrimental to overall health, if taken incorrectly. Overdosing can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing of the eyes/skin, and dark urine. Pain medication can easily be over dosed with people who have short-term memory loss. Monitoring and documentation by Caregivers can help prevent such occurrences from happening. Vitamin and herbal supplements can also have adverse reactions if taken in conjunction with certain medications. The four most likely supplements to cause drug interactions are St. John’s wart, gingko, kava, and willow. The medications that interact with supplements the most often are as follows; Warfarin (Coumadin), Insulin, Aspirin, Digoxin and Ticlopidine (Ticlid). Our Licensed Practical Nurse can document any supplements taken, and follow up with the necessary Health Care Professionals as required.
Medication reminders and administration can help your loved one stay on track and accountable over their medication intake, dependant on their level of care. We can help your loved ones with medication management including, but not limited to:
Ensuring all medications are bubble packed by the pharmacist.
Setting alarms on a phone to remind the client when alone
Lock box safety for Caregivers to administer medication during visit to ensure right dose and time given
Ongoing assessment regarding choking risk
Helping to implement electronic pill boxes

Why In Good Hands Caregiving for Medication Management?

Your loved one’s health is as important to us as it is to you. Our Caregivers are matched to your loved one’s personality to ensure that a relationship is formed. We care for your loved one when you are unable to.
We ensure that medications are taken properly. We educate your loved one about medications that are not allowed to be taken on empty stomach and their appropriate timing. We understand the importance of medication including medication for dementia. Alzheimer’s and dementia medications can reduce symptoms, or temporarily slow down progression.
We will also take care of prescription pick up for your loved one. Furthermore, In Good Hands Home Healthcare Caregivers can assist you and your loved one with errands and companionship. Get started with a complimentary consultation. Contact us today at 757-955-8421 or 804-396-3706 to learn how we can help your loved one with home care and medication management!