Medication Administration
Assisting loved ones with medication can be tricky, yet nearly half of caregivers handle this responsibility daily.
Learn about your loved one’s medications, including their purpose, dosage, and side effects. Start a medication log to ensure medications are taken correctly, and tracks side effects.
Missing a dose of medication or taking too much can lead to a trip to the ER. To avoid errors, establish a medication schedule of when and how each medication should be taken. Use pill organizers, alarms, or apps to keep track.
When starting a new medication or changing dose, monitor your loved one closely for any health or behavior changes, and immediately report them to their doctor. Be aware of dangerous drug interactions – for instance, certain common pain relievers shouldn’t be combined with blood thinners.
In a medication emergency, stay calm and immediately call 911 or the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Follow any instructions provided, have the medication details on hand, and inform healthcare providers about the situation as soon as possible.
