Medication Management Made Easy

Keeping medications organized can feel like a full-time job, and as we age, medication changes can be frequent. An organized list of current medications that can be easily adjusted can make life easier for individuals who manage their own medications, or for caregivers or family members who are in charge of the medications of others.

Often, after a doctor’s appointment or hospitalization, medications or doses may be changed. The discharge summaries that are given to patients are often confusing, especially to individuals with no healthcare background. As a care manager, I have been called several times throughout my career to help people sort out their medications and get them on a schedule that is most beneficial to them. Starting with an accurate medication list is a great jumping off point.

To make an accurate list of medications, line up all your pill bottles and write a list that includes : 1. medication name; 2. Dosage; 3. How often to take it; 4. What it is for. For example: Lisinopril 10 mg once daily for high blood pressure.

After you have your entire list of medications you take regularly, you can insert them into a medication schedule. When I make a list of medications for my clients, I start with a blank sheet with the following headings:

Medication Dose Times to Take Reason for Medication

A sample list may look like this:

John Doe’s Medication List

1. Lisinopril 10 mg 9:00 am High Blood Pressure

2. Metformin 500 mg 9:00 am 5:00 pm Type 2 Diabetes

3. Vitamin D3 1,00 IU 9:00 am Vitamin supplement

4. Atorvastatin 20 mg 9:00 pm High cholesterol

As needed medications:

• Tylenol 500 mg to 1,000 mg for arthritis pain

• Flonase nasal spray 1 spray each nostril daily as needed for allergy symptoms

Medication allergies:

• Penicillin

John Doe can now set up his medications weekly in a pill organizer so doses are not missed. And, by having an up-to-date list, John Doe can be prepared for doctors’ appointments or unexpected trips to the urgent care or ER.

If you or your loved one is on several medications and need help with organizing them, a care manager can assist with this and other ways to make aging easier.

Just my two cents,

Penny