Harford The Caregiver's Toolkit

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22 T H E C A R E G I V E R ’ S T O O L K I T
CHAPTER 2
DEMENTIA & SAFETY
Is My Loved One at Risk for
Mismanaging Their Medications?
Medication mishaps are a leading cause of hospitalization and fall-related injuries among older adults. Half of
the older adult population takes at least three medications daily. This does not include vitamins, supplements and over-
the-counter medications. Keep an up-to-date medication list and always use the same pharmacy to prevent problems.
How can you reduce the risk of medication mishaps as a caregiver? Consider whether your loved one has the following
risk factors that contribute to medication-related problems as well as the suggested solutions to prevent them.
Vision Problems which may include:
• Inability to read labels for the type of
medication or dosage instructions
• Inability to discern the color or shape
of pills when taking medication
• Inability to read warning labels for
precautions and side effects
• Inability to see or find dropped medications
• Inability to read expiration dates on medications
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and instructions. Set up a pill organizer for your
loved one and check it regularly. Keep an up-to-
date list of medications and what they are used for.
Frequently check to see if medications are expired.
Memory Loss or Confusion
This can contribute to:
• Failure to remember to take medications
• Inability to remember when medications were taken
• Inability to remember where medications are located
• Uncertainty about time of day/night
Solution: Look for a pill organizer that matches
your loved one’s medication routine. There are
organizers that are designed for daily medications
but also those that are set up for morning,
afternoon and evening medication schedules.
Hearing Loss:
• Inability to hear a physician/pharmacist’s directions
on how to take medication
• Reluctance to ask questions due to
inability to properly hear responses
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special instructions, arrange to speak to them or attend
medical appointments with your loved one as possible.
Swallowing Problems:
• Swallowing problems and dry mouth can lead
to the inability or failure to take medication
Solution: Patients should not crush or break up pills
which may damage the integrity and effectiveness of
the medication. Talk to your loved one’s physician to
see if the medication can be safely crushed or if there
are other ways the medication can be provided.
Financial Concerns:
• High prescription copays and limited incomes
Solution: It is not unusual for seniors to forgo getting
prescriptions filled if they are too costly. Others may try taking
less than prescribed to make the prescription last longer.
Talk to physicians about generics, samples or prescription
assistance programs that assist with costs or contact the
State Health Insurance Program at 410-638-3577.
Harford County Department
of Community Services
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Helpful Links:
Guide to preventing medication mishaps: