A major part of caring for elderly parents is managing prescription medication. You must know what your parent is taking and who prescribed them, why they are taken, how they are taken, possible side effects, possible interactions, how to administer them, and how to monitor their use.
Write a letter authorizing doctors to talk to you about your parents' care, have it notarized, and be sure every doctor gets a copy. This one step will GREATLY simplify your life!
Step 1: List all the medications your parent is taking. You need to know the name, dosage, frequency, form (pill, liquid, etc.) and color, if there is a generic substitute, when it was started, and doctors' contact information. Be sure to include vitamins, over the counter drugs, and herbal supplements on the list. Update the list with every change as new drugs are added and old ones are stopped.
Step 2: Determine why each one is being taken. Learn what the drug does, how it works, and why it is being prescribed. For example, "(this drug) lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol, and your parent needs to lower the levels of cholesterol in their blood. Ask if tests will be needed to see if the drug is working.
Step 3: Know how it should be taken. Is it taken with or without food, what to do if a dose is missed, when to stop taking it, does it get refilled and how many times, does it need refrigeration, how/if to mix it. Find out if this drug is chronic/long term. Read and save all the written information that comes with the prescription.
Step 4: List and understand potential side effects. Some that are serious and need to be reported to the doctor ASAP include allergic reactions like skin rash, breathing problems, chest pain, fever, muscle cramps, lightheadedness, and swelling. Others, like cough, diarrhea, headache, stuffy or runny nose, upset stomach or difficulty sleeping may not need to be reported right away unless they get worse.
Step 5: List and understand possible interactions. There are different types of interactions to be aware of. Ask about over the counter medications for cold, fever, pain, etc. Find out if there are any foods to be avoided while taking any drug. Is it OK to drink alcohol? Caffeine? What about herbal supplements?
Step 6: Administer the medication. Are you dispensing the drugs to your parent? If so, decide if you need a daily/weekly organizer. If not, help your parent take the medications exactly as instructed. Do not skip doses. Avoid alcohol. Do not take drugs in the dark. Automatic dispensers are available that will sound alarms when it is time to take the drug. You may need to help your parent set one up.
Step 7. Monitor the medications. Check the pills often and see if they are being taken properly. Watch for side effects. Ask your parent if they feel better. Ask if they feel worse. Be sure your parent has any tests needed to see if the drug is working. Be sure refills happen on time, especially if your parent is using mail order (auto ship is available).
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