Medication Refills and Senior Challenges
Whenever I visit with my senior friend I learn something new.  Recently we were discussing getting refills on medications and as we were talking I realized how something so simple becomes so challenging for seniors.  Does your pharmacy use automated voice prompts? Is your family member hard of hearing, do they use a hearing aid? These hurtles can be so challenging it can prevent your loved one from getting their prescriptions filled.
I know my own family members would rather drive to the pharmacy to drop off their empty prescription bottles and ask the pharmacist questions in person. But what if your family member is no longer driving? I find many seniors don’t want to be a burden to their family and friends so they may not ask for your help, you will need to take time to listen and anticipate their needs – offer to  help them run errands.
The challenge of getting medications refilled impacts the health of your senior loved one. So what about mail order, that seems like a perfect answer to the problem and it might be but keep in mind the usual amount of pills sent will be a 90 day supply. My father was grateful to be on a mail order refill plan through the Veteran’s Hospital but as his medications would change he would have large amounts of excess pills, ointments, creams or dressings and unfortunately we could not send them back.
When I sit with clients and review their ability to manage their medications at home I listen carefully and I always learn something.  Next time you’re with your senior parent review the pharmacy labels, are the expiration dates current, when was the last time they were filled, is the medication still medically necessary and does it work or are the side effects bothersome? To make sure the medications are set up correctly and that they are taken regularly you might consider using some of the weekly medication containers or reminders. Use your pharmacist as a resource; you might be surprised what you learn?
If you would like help in supporting your aging parent or senior family member please feel free to call me for assistance.
Mary
October 20, 2009
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Mary · 
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Tags: aging parents, family, pharmacy, Safe medications, Senior Caregiving · Posted in: Senior Caregiving
Mary Chapa is a multi-talented woman with a background in nursing management, sales and marketing in both healthcare and private industry. Mary is also a writer, storyteller and holistic health practitioner living in Minnesota.
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