5 Tips to Safe Medication Management

Hopefully you are among those who are not needing to take any or very few medications on a regular basis. Kudos to great health! But as we age more than likely this will change and many will need different medications to help manage disease processes that develop.

The issue is that unfortunately medication errors are very common.extremely dangerous and even life threatening. It is very important that everyone especially the elderly manage their medications for safe and effective treatment. Here are some important tips on how to be sure:

1. Keep all of your medications together according to the directions, in a cool dry place, or be sure to refrigerate if indicated as in insulin or some antibiotics. Be sure to keep away from children and pets,

2. Remember that all medications include eye/ear drops, inhalers, patches injections as well as any over the counter medications including vitamins.

3. Use a pill box or other organizer.

4. Keep an accurate up to date list of all of your medications. This should include the

medication, the dose, the times and the route. It is important because you should

be reviewing with your primary physician as well as other specialists at every appointment for any changes. Always remember to add any new medications and remove any discontinued medications on or from the list. Be sure to reorganize what was already in a pill organizer if using one.

5. Keep all medications in their original bottles. Do not take medications of others in the household to substitute if you run out.

Following these steps will help with safe, effective medication management and preventing high risk of medication errors at home.

The elderly usually need an extra eye especially when taking multiple medications. Maybe you realize that you or a loved one in South Florida needs oversight of medications and other areas of care. Contact Choice Health Care and Consulting Services for a consultation today.

Stay well!