Managing health as we age often means managing more prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. Keeping track of them all can quickly become overwhelming, and family members often step in to help.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), three out of every four older adults take at least one medication commonly linked to falls or car crashes. Furthermore, the CDC notes that adverse drug events cause more than 1.5 million emergency department visits each year across all age groups in the U.S. Simple routines can help families support a loved one's safety and independence.
Why Medication Safety Matters More With Age
As we get older, our bodies process medications differently. Physical changes, such as how well the liver and kidneys function, can affect how a medicine breaks down and leaves the body. A medicine that worked well for years could start causing side effects, or it may need to be adjusted or changed later in life.
Additionally, older adults often manage multiple medical conditions, which can lead to polypharmacy—the use of multiple drugs. According to the CDC, taking five or more medications further increases the chances of side effects. If you are concerned that your loved one is taking too many medications, have a conversation with their health care provider about whether any could safely be reduced or stopped.
Build and Maintain One Complete Medication List
One practical way families can support an aging parent is by helping them create a complete medication list. This list should include:
- The name of each prescription medicine.
- Over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies (even those used infrequently).
- The amount or dose taken.
- The time or times of day it is taken.
- The prescribing doctor and the reason for taking it.
Keep one copy of this list at home and another in a wallet, purse, or cellphone. It is important to show this complete list to all health care providers, including physical therapists and dentists, at every visit. The CDC suggests reviewing the list with a health care provider at least once a year or whenever medications change.
Partner With a Single Pharmacy
Whenever possible, try to fill all prescriptions at the same pharmacy. Keeping all records in one place helps alert the pharmacist if a newly prescribed drug might cause a problem or interact negatively with something your loved one is already taking. You can also ask whether the pharmacy has a patient profile you can fill out.
If using a single pharmacy is not an option, be sure to share the complete medication list with the pharmacist at each location. If your loved one has trouble swallowing pills, reading small print on labels, or opening containers, tell the pharmacist. They may be able to suggest a liquid form, print labels in larger type, or use easier-to-open bottles. Don't chew, break, or crush tablets without asking the pharmacist first.
Questions to Ask When Starting a New Medicine
Before your loved one starts any new medicine or supplement, consider asking the doctor or pharmacist:
- What is the name of the medicine, and what condition does it treat?
- When should it start working, and how will we know it is effective?
- What side effects should we expect, and what should we do if a serious one occurs?
- Will this new medicine cause problems with other prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements?
- Is it safe to drive while taking it?
- Should it be taken with food, and are there any foods or drinks to avoid?
- What does "as needed" mean, or what should be done if a dose is forgotten?
- Will a refill need a follow-up appointment or testing?
Everyday Habits for Taking Medicines Correctly
A consistent routine can help reduce the risk of medication errors. Habits that can help:
- Follow instructions carefully: Never take a larger dose thinking it will help more, and do not skip or take half doses to save money.
- Use reminders: Some people tie their medication schedule to meals or bedtime. Others find success with charts, calendars, weekly pill boxes, timers, or smartphone reminder apps.
- Turn on a light: Never take medicine in the dark. Turn on a light and wear eyeglasses if needed to help avoid misreading a label.
- Check active ingredients: Read labels to avoid taking more than one product with the same active ingredient, such as a cough syrup and a pain reliever that both contain acetaminophen.
- Never share: Don't take medicines prescribed for someone else.
Watch for Side Effects and Interactions
Side effects can range from minor issues like a dry mouth to more serious complications. Some side effects appear at first and improve over time, while others are ongoing. Some medications can cause side effects that mimic other health problems, such as new memory difficulties, dizziness, and sleepiness.
Certain side effects can also increase the risk of falls. Look out for blurry vision, daytime fatigue, drowsiness, fainting, lightheadedness, loss of balance, muscle weakness, slowed reaction time, or trouble concentrating. If you notice these signs, ask a health care professional whether they could be caused by medications.
Interactions can also occur with foods and drinks. Alcohol with some medications can cause loss of coordination, memory problems, sleepiness, and falls.
If your loved one experiences uncomfortable side effects, do not stop the prescription or change the dose without talking to a provider first. Write down the side effects to report them accurately, and call the doctor right away if you worry that a medicine is doing more harm than good.
Safe Storage and Disposal
Most medicines are best stored up and away in a cool, dry place, and not left in a hot or cold car. Medicines that aren't stored properly may not work as well. Keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets, and store prescription pain medicines in a locked cabinet or drawer.
Check expiration dates regularly and do not take expired medicines. The best option for disposing of most unused or expired medicines is a drug take-back location, often found at a local pharmacy or police station, or a prepaid drug mail-back envelope. If those options aren't available, check whether the medicine is on the FDA flush list, and don't flush any medicine that isn't on it. For medicines not on the flush list, mix them (without crushing pills) with an unappealing substance such as dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds, seal them in a plastic bag, and put them in the household trash. Always scratch out personal information on empty labels.
Reviewing Coverage During Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, making it a natural time to review drug coverage. During this window, people can join, drop, or switch Medicare Advantage plans or Medicare drug plans.
Medicare.gov suggests checking whether a plan covers your loved one's prescriptions and whether their doctors and pharmacies are in network. Local State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) offer free personalized counseling.
When Medication Routines Become Difficult
Even with family support, a complex medication schedule can become hard to manage at home. If medication or personal care has become difficult, or falls or mobility challenges create concern, it may be time to explore more support.
A care professional can help evaluate medical and daily-living needs. At Timber Ridge and Vine Ridge, assisted living services are based on a personalized assessment and care plan, and care plans can be reviewed and adjusted when needs change. Support can include medication help, with helpful reminders and medication management based on the resident's care plan. Residents choose which services they need, and support is intended to preserve privacy, choice, and dignity. Assisted living isn't the right fit for everyone, but it may be one option worth exploring together.