Medication Management for Caregivers
By JCA on February 13, 2025
from the Family Caregiver Alliance
One of the first tasks a caregivers will face is managing the medications of their family member or friend. There are several steps to this process and the complexity will vary depending on the cognitive capabilities of the person under care.
The first step is to round up all the medications in the home. They may be scattered in unexpected places. This includes all prescriptions as well as over-the-counter medications and supplements. Once they are gathered, sort the medications by type – bottles, boxes, and tubes. Look for signs that the medications may not be taken properly like duplicates with different fill dates or containers that contain different medications. If the bottles contain two or more different pills, a doctor or pharmacist may be needed to sort them out. Count the number of pills in each bottle to determine if they have been taken as prescribed.
Next, set up a dosage system. The type of system used will depend on the person’s cognitive capabilities. A daily pill sorter is a basic system for someone who does not have memory issues. An electronic device can sound an audible reminder and dispense medications at designated times. A lock box may be necessary for someone who is at risk of accidentally taking too much or the wrong medication.
A medications list will provide the caregiver with additional information such as dose, food and liquid restrictions, side effects, and interactions. The list should be set up as a table with the following columns: medication name, physical description, dosage, strength, dosage times, how to take, don’t take with, condition it treats, prescribed by, fill date, refill date, expiration date, and when to discontinue use.
People with dementia may be reluctant to take medication if they are feeling distrustful or confused. They may have trouble swallowing or think that they have already taken the dose in question. A clearly written note from the doctor or pharmacist may provide reassurance that the medication is correct and necessary.
The videos presented below will explain these steps in detail.