As you get older, ensuring your memory is at its best and remembering the dose of your medications can be challenging. However, medication management doesn’t have to feel like added pressure with small daily habits, some planning and the proper support from the Affinity Health Senior plan. Read on to discover how your medication management can be made easy.

Why Medication Management Matters

Depending on your condition, missing medication or doubling your dose by mistake can cause severe complications such as dizziness, fainting and extended hospitalisation. While managing multiple prescriptions is a regular part of life for many older adults, there are instances where mistakes can occur. However, this is when having a practical system in place can help reduce the risk of potential, accidental overdosing.

Start With a List

The first thing you should do is create a comprehensive list of every medication you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, and vitamin supplements, that you can show your doctor so they can identify any harmful interactions and those that aren’t necessary. Write down the dose, how often it’s taken and the medical reason for taking each item. It’s always better to keep a physical copy and a digital one that can be shared with trusted loved ones or a caregiver.

Simplify the Medication Schedule

You should simplify the medication schedule with the help of your doctor. For instance, ask your doctor whether you can combine certain medications or if they can be taken at the same time to switch to once-daily dosing, making it easier to remember and reducing the risk of mistakes. Additionally, you could rely on a pill organiser with daily compartments to make taking your medications a manageable task.

Use Reminders that Work for You

If you are comfortable using technology, you can set alarms on your smartphone. However, a basic physical alarm, using sticky notes or marking it on your calendar, can help make the daily routine more straightforward to manage. Additionally, if you are on the Affinity Health Senior plan with the Chronic Essential Medication Benefit, you can speak to your doctor about effective ways to ensure you have proper medication management.

Have a Relationship with Your Pharmacist

Having one pharmacist to dispense your medication can improve your chances of learning more about how to manage your prescription. If you are starting a different type of medicine, you can ask your pharmacist to explain the common side effects. If you notice you are reacting differently to anything, contact your pharmacist and GP immediately.

Spot the Symptoms

Your medication could cause severe side effects which require urgent medical attention. For instance, sudden confusion, fainting, severe dizziness, slurred speech, chest pain or sudden breathlessness could be signs of a dangerous drug reaction, a stroke, or another serious event. You can access the Emergency Casualty Room Treatment benefit for immediate stabilisation.

Keep Medicines Safe and in Their Place

Some medications can lose their potency over time if they’re not stored correctly. Knowing how to store medicines safely can prevent them from spoiling before their expiry date. These tips can help you identify when a replacement is needed:

• Store medicines in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
• Avoid bathrooms where humidity can cause tablets to degrade.
• Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
• Dispose of expired or unused medicines safely.
• Consult your pharmacist for additional tips on how to keep them safe and how to dispose of them properly.

Manage Costs Without Skipping Doses

Financial stress about expensive medicines can lead to skipped doses when trying to stretch their use before the next refill. If costs are a concern, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about generic alternatives, where available, which are often less expensive but just as effective. The Affinity Health Senior Plan is designed with affordability in mind since the Affinity formulary ensures that costs are contained. It’s important to check your specific benefits to understand what’s covered and whether any chronic medication programmes or repeat prescription options are available to you.

Rely on Community Support

You don’t have to be isolated while managing medications. Explore the Affinity Health Senior plan to discover how private clinics, like , can benefit your condition management and facilitate the dispensing of up to schedule 4 medicines. Most importantly, your family should be involved in your medication review when it’s necessary to visit a healthcare practitioner.

Review Your Medications Regularly

As you age, your medication needs can change. Some medicines prescribed years ago may no longer be required. When these changes are necessary, schedule a medication review with your GP to determine what will be more effective for you. Ask specifically about the careful reduction or stopping of medicines that may be causing harm or are no longer effective.

Maintain Small Habits for Peace of Mind

Medication management is more about the daily systems you have in place to ensure you don’t miss your doses. This is why it’s essential to establish routines, utilise tools, involve professionals and trusted individuals in your life, and maintain open communication to ensure you have peace of mind and optimal health. The result is evident in fewer mistakes, fewer hospital scares, and increased confidence in living a healthier lifestyle.

You can also build a medication emergency kit with these practical tips:

• Put together a small folder with your latest medication list, allergy information, your GP’s details and emergency contacts.
• Keep a copy in your bag and another at home.
• If you ever need to visit an emergency department, take this folder with you to ensure you get the proper treatment fast.

When you combine these practical steps with the Affinity Health Senior Health plan, which understands older adults and helps with GP visits, chronic medication, and emergency services, medication management becomes easier. On this International Day of Older Persons, your health is a priority. Making small changes can have the biggest impact in ensuring your medication is managed correctly.