Effective Medication Management Solutions for the Elderly

Author

The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch

Posted on

Apr 01, 2022

Book/Edition

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

share-this
Share This
For more information on the author, The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch, CLICK HERE!

Medication Management Solutions for Seniors
When it comes to challenges related to age, medication management might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, as more and more medications are prescribed, taking the correct medication at the right dose at the proper time might be difficult. Here's what you need to know about medication management among older adults, including solutions that meet common challenges.

Medication Management Dangers
Recent research tells us that medication errors are more common than previously thought. A report published in Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology found that between 75% and 96% of older adults acknowledge they frequently make mistakes with medication. Further, older adults are the most common demographic to call poison control centers after medication mistakes.

Why are seniors more likely to experience medication errors? A variety of reasons include the increased likelihood of polypharmacy or taking more than one prescribed medication per day and cognitive decline, making managing a medication schedule more difficult. Seniors are also more likely to take medications prescribed by different physicians and specialists, not all of whom have spoken to the other about current treatment plans. No matter the reason for the medication mismanagement, one thing is sure: the results can be catastrophic.

A wrong dose, a missed dose, or a doubled dose of medication can cause unplanned visits to the hospital, falls at home, or even death. Fortunately, some solutions can support your aging loved one as they manage medications independently or with your help.

Medication Management Solutions
Performing medical management tasks on behalf of your loved one can be time-consuming, but even a few hours spent each month setting up safe medication strategies can be worth it. If you aren't sure where to start, here are a few ideas that might inspire you to change your medication management support routine.


Designate a particular day of the week when you have dinner together and then fill up your loved one's pillbox for the week .If your loved one doesn't have cognitive decline and can manage to take their medications from the pillbox at the correct time, this is the easiest and safest solution. It's also important to note that caregivers can make mistakes filling pillboxes, creating unintentional medication errors.


Set alarms via a voice assistant like Google Home or Amazon Alexa or on your loved one's smartphone or smartwatch. Again, this option is best for a senior who does not show signs of poor judgment or cognitive decline and is tech-savvy enough to listen to the alarm, take the medication, and shut the reminder off until the next dose.



Automatic pill dispenser systems, like Hero Health, can hold a month's worth of medications at a time and will release the correct medicines in a cup at the proper time each day. You can even download a corresponding app to let caregivers or family members know if someone missed a dose. This option is pricey, as most systems require an initial purchase fee and a monthly service fee that does not include the wifi services it needs to run successfully.



Request that your loved one's physician or pharmacist review their list of medication and supplements at least quarterly. This small practice can ensure your loved one is not taking medications that might counteract one another.



Take note of any side effects from medications and report those to your loved one's care team as soon as possible. Often, their physician can switch to another prescription that might not have the same unpleasant effects.



If pharmacy visits are difficult for your loved one, you can set up monthly pharmacy deliveries and even request that pills be in bubble packs instead of hard-to-open bottles. If you are worried about your loved one receiving the medications at home on their own, have the shipment arrive at your house instead. You can drop off the medications or fill the pill dispensing system the next time you visit.


Legend Senior Living and Medication Management
At Legend Senior Living residences, we aim to make all aspects of daily life a bit easier for those who live here. We are happy to offer medication management services to residents, giving them peace of mind that they are taking the correct dose of the proper medication at the right time.

Typically a part of the day's routine for our assisted living and memory care residents, medication management services are performed by our trained caregivers. Residents receive personalized attention and the appropriate prompts or cues to take their medications correctly. If there is ever a question, our team will happily answer or even coordinate with the physician to get the correct answer.

Medication management services also help to ensure residents are not experiencing any unnecessary side effects. Our caregivers get to know residents and can often spot when residents are not acting like themselves long before additional medical management is required. We work together with the resident, their family, and their physician to ensure an effective treatment plan.

Other Articles You May Like

A Special Visit: Meals on Wheels America President & CEO Joins Florida Chapter Conference

It was a momentous occasion in Bradenton on May 1, 2025, as we welcomed a very special guest  Ellie Hollander, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels America. Her visit was more than ceremonial; it was a heartfelt celebration of community, service, and the vital work being done across Florida to nourish and support our seniors.Ellie flew in from the Washington, D.C. area as the keynote speaker for the Meals on Wheels Florida annual conference, proudly hosted this year by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Ellies schedule was packed, but that did not stop her from doing an interview with MySuncoast ABC-7 telling viewers how critical the meal program is to our homebound seniors. Next, Ellie hit the road and delivered meals to some of our senior clients and talked with our volunteers. Ellie also stopped by our Friendship Dining Center program, and participated in a music game the clients love.The Members of the Florida Chapter of Meals on Wheels America named Maribeth Phillips, our President & CEO, as their Board President earlier this year. Maribeth invited Ellie to attend and kickoff the conference. Ellie shared valuable insights with the members in attendance, and her words reenergized the room!The conference included meal providers from across the state, with over 20 different organizations attending. Attendees also heard from Bob Blancato, Executive Director of NANASP, also from Washington, D.C.; Bradenton Police Detective, Jim Curulla on senior scams; Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Emergency Management Sarasota; Louise Gallagher on Senior Mental Health; and Jennifer Huber from FPL. Chef2Home provided a delicious breakfast and lunch.We are proud to be part of the national network of Meals on Wheels America and grateful to be a part of the state-wide chapter, Meals on Wheels Florida, both working every day to ensure no senior goes hungry.

Help Fight Summer Hunger in Manatee County

As summer approaches, many children in our community are looking forward to sunshine, fun, and time with friends. But for far too many, summer brings something else-hunger.When school cafeterias close for the summer, thousands of local children lose access to the nutritious meals they depend on. Families already struggling to make ends meet are faced with even more pressure. The emotional toll is real. No parent should have to worry if they can feed their child, and no child should go to bed with an empty stomach.At The Food Bank of Manatee, we are stepping up to meet the need. We partner with over 100 local food pantries across Manatee County to reach the families who need us mostbut we cant do it alone.This summer, our goal is to provide: 22,500 meals each week across the 9-week summer break. Thats more than 200,000 meals for children and familiesand every dollar makes a difference.Just $15 provides 10 meals; $30 provides 20 meals; a gift of $150 will provide 100 meals!We know that many in our community want to make a difference. With your support, we can ensure no child goes hungry during the summer months.Please consider making a gift today and sharing this message with others who want to help too. A link to our page is below. A $25,000 Matching Gift to feed children this summer has been offered by an anonymous fund at Manatee Community Foundation. Gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000.The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in our county. We anticipate continued need as families look for nutritional support. Your help matters now more than ever! Please give today!Together, we can bring relief, peace of mind, and full bellies to those who need it most.

Celebrating the Heart of Our Mission: Volunteer Luncheon Honors Our Outstanding Volunteers

On Monday, April 7, 2025, we had the joy and honor of hosting our annual Volunteer Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the incredible individuals who make our mission possible each and every day. Held in a spirit of gratitude and community, the event brought together volunteers with over 100 hours of service for a beautiful luncheon provided by Metz Chef 2 Home. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service. From delivering meals with a smile to lending a helping hand wherever needed, these volunteers embody the true spirit of giving.The 2025 award recipients included:Champions Circle: Ten Years of ServiceDan WilhelmChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServiceTerri HillChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServicePat McDonaldOutstanding Food Bank Volunteer: Terri HillOutstanding Volunteer Ambassador: Veronica Brandon-MillerOutstanding Youth Volunteer: Jonathan MaassenMost Generous Group Ambassador: Lakewood Ranch Elks LodgeOutstanding Volunteer Group: First WatchOutstanding Administrative Volunteer: Barbara BrownOutstanding Friendship Dining Center Volunteer: Pam O ConnorOutstanding Car Loader: Charlie GunnOutstanding Warehouse Volunteer: Lana PaulRookies of the Year: Jeff and Christy MohlerOutstanding Daybreak Adult Day Center Volunteer: Larry BreidenbachOutstanding Telephone Reassurance Volunteer: Reina HuertaVolunteer of the Year: Terri HillTo every volunteer who gives their time and heartthank you. Our Volunteers are the reason we are able to serve our neighbors in need with care, dignity, and hope. We look forward to another year of making a difference together.

Local Services By This Author

The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch

Assisted Living 8220 Natures Way, Lakewood Ranch, Florida, 34202

Assisted Living at Windsor of Lakewood Ranch Makes a priority of individuality and autonomy by offering a personalized approach to care. The option to select and pay only for the services needed provides residents with flexibility and control over their care plans.It's reassuring to know that residents receive assistance with activities of daily living in a comfortable environment that fosters independence and social interaction. Having caring associates available 24 hours a day ensures that residents can receive support whenever they need it, whether it's with tasks like bathing and dressing, mobility assistance, or medication management.Overall, Assisted Living at Windsor of Lakewood Ranch is committed to providing tailored care that meets residents' unique needs while promoting their well-being and quality of life.