Top 6 Tips for Medication Safety

Managing medications becomes increasingly complex with age—especially when multiple prescriptions, vitamins, and over-the-counter remedies are involved. As a family caregiver, ensuring your older loved one’s safety with medications is one of the most important things you can do to support their well-being. Whether your parent lives with you, nearby, or far away, the risk of drug interactions, skipped doses, or medication errors can be minimized with the right strategies.

Here are six practical tips for each caregiving situation to help you manage medication safety effectively.

When Your Older Parent Lives With You

Create a Master Medication List
Maintain an up-to-date list of all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Include dosages, schedules, and prescribing physicians’ contact information. Share this list with all healthcare providers.
Stick to One Pharmacy
Choose a single pharmacy for all prescriptions. This allows the pharmacist to catch potential drug interactions and offer personalized advice. Share the pharmacy contact with your parent’s doctors for consistent communication.
Use a Pill Organizer
Set up a weekly pill organizer to keep track of medications. If memory is a concern, consider digital reminders or alarm systems. This helps prevent missed or double doses.
Monitor for Dropped Pills and Side Effects
Assist with handling pills if manual dexterity is an issue. Watch for dropped pills and observe for any side effects, mood changes, or physical symptoms after new medications are started.
Safely Dispose of Outdated Medications
Regularly check for expired medications. Do not keep unused prescriptions “just in case.” Consult a pharmacist or use a medication disposal program in your community.
Consult Professionals for Changes
Never stop or adjust medications without speaking to the prescribing doctor or pharmacist. Seniors are more vulnerable to abrupt medication changes, and professional input is key.

When Your Older Parent Lives Alone (But Close By)

Regularly Review Medications Together
Check monthly to go over the medication list, refill needs, and any changes. Help organize medications and discuss how they feel with the current regimen.
Place a Copy of Medication Info on the Fridge
Post a copy of the medication list and pharmacy info in an easily accessible spot in case of an emergency or EMS visits.
Coordinate with One Pharmacy
Encourage your parent to use the same pharmacy each time. If needed, offer to pick up prescriptions for them or set up automatic delivery.
Talk About Side Effects
Encourage them to speak up about dizziness, stomach upset, or unusual symptoms. They can also keep leaflets from the pharmacy to understand which symptoms are urgent.
Promote Proper Storage
Make sure medications are stored in a cool, dry place—not in bathrooms or near windows. Also, check that grandchildren or pets can’t access them.
Watch for Cost-Driven Habits
If they skip doses to save money, help them apply for patient assistance programs like NeedyMeds. Medication safety should never be compromised by cost.

When You’re a Long-Distance Caregiver

Digitize the Medication List
Keep a digital, shareable list that includes medications, doses, doctors, pharmacies, and emergency contacts: email or print copies for local helpers or home health aides.
Set Up Medication Delivery Services
Arrange for home delivery from one trusted pharmacy. Some pharmacies also provide pre-sorted packs, reducing the chance of confusion.
Use Technology for Reminders
Help your loved one set up reminders via phone, smart speakers, or medication reminder apps. Weekly video call check-ins can also keep you informed.
Arrange for Local Help or Home Health Visits
If you can’t be there in person, hire a home health aide or ask a trusted neighbor to help monitor medication use and check for signs of side effects or missed doses.
Ensure Proper Disposal Instructions
Mail them medication disposal bags or give them instructions on safely discarding old medications. Encourage them not to flush meds or keep them past expiration.
Stay in Touch with the Healthcare Team
Request to be added as a contact for all doctors and pharmacists, with permission from your loved one. This way, you can help coordinate care and ask questions about prescriptions when needed.

Additional Tips

Avoid Skipping Doses: Always take medications as prescribed without skipping doses to make them last longer. Skipping doses can lead to improper management of your condition and potential health complications. If you have trouble affording medications, explore patient assistance programs like NeedyMeds, which provide information on brand and generic drugs. These programs often require a doctor’s signature and financial information to verify eligibility.

Monitoring Side Effects: Seniors can be susceptible to new medications. Always ask your doctor about potential side effects and how the new medication might interact with existing treatments. Pharmacies often provide leaflets detailing side effects and when to contact a doctor. Caregivers should keep these leaflets for reference and be vigilant about changes in patient conditions.

Preventing Drug Interactions: To guard against drug interactions, keep a comprehensive list of all medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies your loved one takes. Include the contact information of the prescribing physician next to each medication. Some doctors may not be aware of the other doctors their patients are seeing. Bring this list to every doctor appointment and ensure it remains up-to-date.

The Importance of Sticking with One Pharmacy: Many seniors tend to shop around for the cheapest medication, often overlooking the benefits of staying with a single pharmacy. A dedicated pharmacist can be incredibly helpful, spotting potential drug interactions, identifying possible issues, and recommending over-the-counter medications that can safely be taken with prescribed ones. Include the pharmacist’s contact information on the medication list provided to each doctor. When doctors call in a prescription, ensure they use the same pharmacy each time. Many doctors’ offices will verify the pharmacy.

Double-Check Dosages: Double-check the label to ensure you follow your doctor’s instructions before taking any medication. This is crucial, especially for seniors taking multiple medications. Verify the correct dosage and follow any specific instructions for gradually reducing or stopping medications, if necessary. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

Watch for Dropped Pills: Seniors may have difficulty handling small pills due to reduced sensation in their fingers. Regularly check the medication area for dropped pills, which can indicate that the medication is not being taken correctly. Caregivers can assist by supervising or administering medications to ensure they are taken as prescribed.

Stay Organized: Use a pill organizer to track medications and ensure they are taken at the correct times. Setting alarms or reminders can also help maintain a consistent medication schedule. Regularly review the medication list with healthcare providers to make any necessary adjustments.

Proper Storage: Store medications in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation. Ensure that all medications are kept out of the reach of children and pets. Proper storage helps maintain the medication’s effectiveness.

Seek Professional Guidance: Always consult healthcare providers with any medication questions or concerns. Pharmacists and doctors can provide valuable insights and assistance in managing complex medication regimens.

Medication Safety Checks List

✔️ Have a doctor reviewed all medications in the past 6 months?
✔️ Are all medications stored in a cool, dry place?
✔️ Are expired or unused medications disposed of properly?
✔️ Are pill organizers or reminders used to track doses?
✔️ Has the same pharmacy been used for all prescriptions?
✔️ Have side effects or changes in condition been reported?

The keys to safe medication use are consistency, communication, and care. Proper medication management (How to create a medication checklist) reduces the risk of drug interactions, overdose, missed doses, and dangerous side effects. Whether you’re just down the street or across the country, your involvement in managing your parent’s medications can make a life-saving difference.