Home Care CareGivers

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CareGivers providing in home care often are faced with various levels of Alzheimer’s disease. The memory loss found during home care varies in degree and thus requires flexible and sometimes creative caregiving techniques.  The follow is a recap of President Ronald Regan’s battle with Alzheimer’s.  Care-To-Go CareGivers in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler and Gilbert areas salute his contribution to America.

When Alzheimer’s Waited Outside the Oval Office

By LAWRENCE K. ALTMAN, M.D.

WASHINGTON — Ron Reagan’s new memoir, “My Father at 100,” has touched off sensational headlines with its suggestion that President Ronald Reagan might have begun showing hints of Alzheimer’s disease while still in the White House.

But in two interviews this month, the younger Mr. Reagan said he never meant to suggest that his father had dementia before leaving office in 1989. And he graciously took the blame for not being more explicit in a passage that described a few personal observations along with comments from the former president’s doctors.

A “rather small section of the book has attracted outsize attention,” he said in a telephone interview from Seattle, where he lives.

All he meant, he continued, was that the amyloid plaque characteristic of Alzheimer’s can start forming years before it leads to dementia. The former president’s diagnosis was made in 1993, four years after he left office.

“Given what we know about the disease,” his son told me, “I don’t know how you could say that the disease wasn’t likely present in him during the presidency.”

Had it been stated that way, the assertion about Alzheimer’s would have stirred little if any debate. Still, the issue is important for anyone — including candidates for office — because of the difficulty of distinguishing the initial symptoms of Alzheimer’s from, say, simple forgetfulness.

The disease occurs most frequently after 70, but it can strike younger people. Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist, diagnosed the first case in a 51-year-old woman. It is now recognized as one of a number of types of dementia. And diagnosing it with certainty requires a brain biopsy, rarely done while a patient is still alive.

Mr. Reagan’s mental state was an issue even before he became the oldest man elected president, at 69, in 1980. Adversaries were fond of attributing his penchant for contradictory statements, forgetting names and general absent-mindedness to Alzheimer’s.

I reported on Mr. Reagan’s health, and he told me that his mother, Nelle, had died of senility — and that if he were to develop it in office he would resign.

As a follow-up to questions about Alzheimer’s, my extensive interviews with his White House doctors, key aides and others, I found no evidence that Mr. Reagan exhibited signs of dementia as president. The interviews did not include family members.

Moreover, until Ron Reagan’s memoir appeared, no other family member — and not Edmund Morris, the official biographer who spent seven years with Mr. Reagan in the White House — publicly hinted that he showed evidence of Alzheimer’s as president.

“My Father at 100” (Viking) is an affectionate, often lighthearted account of a son’s attempt to uncover his father’s character by going back to his early days. It is generally well written, except for portions of the closing chapter about Alzheimer’s — which Ron Reagan acknowledged were flawed because he “relied on memory” without checking facts about when and where the suspicion of his father’s Alzheimer’s was first raised.

He writes, for example, that after the former president fell from a bucking horse in Mexico in 1989, his doctors detected probable signs of Alzheimer’s in removing a blood clot that formed between his skull and brain. But such a procedure does not involve a brain biopsy that doctors would need to diagnose dementia.

Moreover, Mr. Reagan was flown to a military hospital near Tucson — not taken to San Diego, as his son writes — and the blood clot, a subdural hematoma, was removed weeks later at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

In the interviews, Ron Reagan genially acknowledged the errors and said that if he had anticipated the controversy he created, he “would have done more due diligence in terms of pinning down dates.”

When his father was president, Mr. Reagan, then a professional dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, visited him two or three times a year. Now 52, the younger Reagan has been a radio and television talk show host, commentator and magazine writer. In the book, he writes that he did not want his father to run for a second term, partly because of political differences (Ron has long been liberal) and partly because of his concern about Mr. Reagan’s health — not the possibility of Alzheimer’s, but the near-fatal gunshot wound he sustained in a 1981 assassination attempt.

Understandably, the son’s memories about his father’s Alzheimer’s focused on when it first produced symptoms. The anecdotes that he cites are either well known or lack convincing evidence for Alzheimer’s.

For example, he recounts the 1984 re-election campaign, when his father performed dismally as he floundered through his responses and was lost for words in his first debate with his opponent, Walter F. Mondale. But Mr. Reagan performed well in the second debate, 11 days later.

While spending a day in the Oval Office in 1987, the younger Reagan noticed that aides were providing his father with scripted index cards — a technique he often used when giving speeches — for phone calls lasting five minutes at most, implying signs of a failing memory. But in an interview, Mr. Reagan said it was “hard to know what to make of that” — and laughed as he said he was using similar notes in our conversation.

The son noted little things that he could not explain and to which he did not attach a name at the time. Based on knowing his father’s demeanor and cognition over a lifetime, the observations created an impression “that something was amiss.” But, he wrote, he did not want to leave an impression that his “father was catatonic or mumbling incoherently” at any period in the White House.

In his last months, Mr. Reagan held court from a hospital bed in his den, uncomplaining and gently agreeable. By this time he looked younger; his face had lost many of its worry lines and wrinkles. But as he stopped eating and drinking and his kidneys failed, Mr. Reagan lost the decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s and died on June 5, 2004.

Alzheimer’s hereditary patterns are not precisely known. Ron Reagan said he is aware that he is at risk for the disease. But he has not had genetic tests for it, and has not been asked or volunteered to take part in any study of the family history of Alzheimer’s.

Care-To-Go provides home care and caregivers in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler and Gilbert areas.

By David Lowell, MD

The holidays can be a time of renewal – renewal of friendships through visits and cards, renewal of family relationships through gatherings and shared meals, and renewal of one’s faith. But the holidays also are a time that can be particularly challenging for a family caregiver. It is a time during which the changes in one’s life are highlighted and there are additional demands placed upon on an already stressed life.
The holidays are always a whirlwind and this is especially true for caregivers. During the holidays it is important for caregivers to seek a balance – between caring for someone else and caring for oneself; between celebrating good memories of past holidays while not dwelling on what might have been lost. Here are ideas to keep in mind for both the caregiver and the care receiver as the holiday season arrives:
Ideas for the Caregiver:
1. Don’t try to do it all. In the past you may have prepared Christmas dinner for 20 and created hand-made gifts for all of your relatives. Ask other members of the family to carry on specific family traditions. Dividing the responsibility will help you manage your stress level. 
2. Don’t attempt to travel long distances by car if your loved one is not used to it and tires easily. You will both be exhausted by the time you reach your destination, and you will have a difficult time enjoying yourself. 
3. Ask family or friends to provide respite care. Make time to enjoy holiday decorations or window shopping. Just a few hours of time by yourself or with a friend can be renewing and help combat a sense of isolation. 
4. Avoid comparisons with past holidays. It is often emotionally draining to look upon change as loss. “Life is change” can be a helpful concept to hold onto. 
5. Create new traditions that can be carried on year to year, rather than dwelling on old traditions that your loved one can no longer participate in.
Ideas for Your Loved One:
1. Find a way to have your loved one participate in the holidays, whether its making decorations or counting the days on an Advent calendar
2. Decorate your loved one’s room or living area for the holidays. Incorporate symbols and decorations that are meaningful. 
3. Stimulate all of your loved one’s senses with the sounds, sights, smells and tastes of the holidays. Ideas include holiday music and decorations, a favorite dessert and familiar scents.
4. Familiar holiday foods are a nice way to evoke positive memories.
5. If your loved one is in a care facility, extend traditions to other people in the facility. For example, pass out holiday cards or make a traditional dessert to share.

For families caring for elder loved ones at home, respite care can be a great relief during the holidays. It can be a great relief for the family caregiver as well as the senior. There are two options. First the caregiver can stay with the senior at home while the family members take a break. The other option is to take the senior out for an outing.

For Home Care in the Phoenix area contact Care-To-Go (480) 284-8611 Care-To-Go.com

Backlash grows against full-body scanners in airports

As the TSA  airports try to get a handle on quick and efficient scanning at security checkpoints, new machines may not be the answer.

Our Elder Travel Companions from Phoenix and Scottsdale report longer security delays and frazzled nerves at full body scan airports.  Our seniors in wheel chairs are not subject to this screening and will continue to be checked as usual.  The Travel Companion CareGiver can be a great asset in transiting airport security.

By Gary Stoller, USA TODAY

Opposition to new full-body imaging machines to screen passengers and the government’s deployment of them at most major airports is growing.

Many frequent fliers complain they’re time-consuming or invade their privacy. The world’s airlines say they shouldn’t be used for primary security screening. And questions are being raised about possible effects on passengers’ health.

"The system takes three to five times as long as walking through a metal detector," says Phil Bush of Atlanta, one of many fliers on USA TODAY’s Road Warriors panel who oppose the machines. "This looks to be yet another disaster waiting to happen."

BODY SCANNERS: Concerns about privacy and health set off debate

The machines — dubbed by some fliers as virtual strip searches — were installed at many airports in March after a Christmas Day airline bombing attempt. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has spent more than $80 million for about 500 machines, including 133 now at airports. It plans to install about 1,000 by the end of next year.

The machines are running into complaints and questions here and overseas:

•The International Air Transport Association, which represents 250 of the world’s airlines, including major U.S. carriers, says the TSA lacks "a strategy and a vision" of how the machines fit into a comprehensive checkpoint security plan. "The TSA is putting the cart before the horse," association spokesman Steve Lott says.

•Security officials in Dubai said this month they wouldn’t use the machines because they violate "personal privacy," and information about their "side effects" on health isn’t known.

•Last month, the European Commission said in a report that "a rigorous scientific assessment" of potential health risks is needed before machines are deployed there. It also said screening methods besides the new machines should be used on pregnant women, babies, children and people with disabilities.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office said in October that the TSA was deploying the machines without fully testing them and assessing whether they could detect "threat items" concealed on various parts of the body. And in March, the office said it "remains unclear" whether they would have detected the explosives that police allege Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab tried to detonate on a jet bound for Detroit on Christmas.

TSA spokeswoman Kristin Lee says the agency completed testing at the end of last year and is "highly confident" in the machines’ detection capability. She also says their use hasn’t slowed screening at airports and that the agency has taken steps to ensure privacy and safety.

The TSA is deploying two types of machines that can see underneath clothing. One uses a high-speed X-ray beam, and the other bounces electromagnetic waves off a passenger’s body.

Passengers can refuse screening by the machines and receive a pat-down search by a security officer, screening by a metal detector, or both, the TSA says.

For more information on an Elder Travel Companion go to CareToGoTravel.com and for Phoenix in home care caregiver see Care-To-Go.com

Custom Home Care Allows Elders Keep Their Independence in Phoenix 

Nobody likes being dependent on other people. Elders really don’t embrace the idea of

needing other people to assist him or her. Independence and freedom could be among

the qualities that a lot of seniors treasure most-and this is the reason so many elders

wish to stay in their homes. Seniors usually do not want to give up their independent

lifestyle; consequently, they are electing to forego moving to elder care centers and

assisted living facilities and opt for home care.

Because self-reliance is very crucial to the elderly, many elders regularly balk at the

thought of accepting home aid. Elders may feel that they have been handling everything

satisfactorily on their own; thus, elder care isn’t required. Rather regularly, though, the

adult children or other relatives or the friends of the elder may realize that some kind of

home care is necessary–maybe the elder just does not want to acknowledge it or does

not realize it. Since the elder’s major goal may be to hold on to their independence, it’s

always important to introduce the subject of senior care gently.

It could be easier to speak about in-home care with the senior on neutral ground with

an trusted friend present. Meeting with the senior at their doctor’s appointment for a

chat about the subject could be a good idea for some; other people may find it more

comfortable to take the senior out to lunch with a friend of hers who is in agreement

with the idea. Whatever, the focus of the conversation should be about keeping the

senior at ease with the home care and helping her to make decisions.

Unlike what seniors  might think, elder care will truly assist the senior to maintain her

independence. No, perhaps she will not be entirely self-reliant as they were before;

nevertheless, they will no longer have to depend on using taxis to take her to

appointments and shopping trips because their home care caregiver can drive her. Also,

they won’t have to order take-out food if she doesn’t feel like cooking, because her

caregiver can cook a meal for her. Yet she will still maintain her independent life style

because she is still living in her home–not in an elder facility.

It is actually easier for seniors to maintain their independence when they have a hired

senior care companion. Using a home care caregiver makes it simpler for seniors to

complete tasks. This is because the caregiver does or helps with whatever the senior

cannot do, while the senior takes care of other activities. Caregivers provide support

and services that are tailored specifically to the senior for whom they are giving care;

so the senior has the option of choosing what the caregiver does to assist her.

Some caregivers become great friends with the seniors they assist because they spend

a lot of time together. The companions really begin to become almost like part of the

family. The elder won’t think about any loss of independence or freedom at all,she will

simply be content to still be living in her own home, with the help of her home care

caregiver.

For more information on Home Care in the Phoenix area visit Care-To-Go.com For a

Personal Travel Companion anywhere, contact CareToGoTravel.com

Phoenix Home Care Caregiver Describes How To Communicate With Somebody With Cancer

One of the most important ways to help your communication is not only to inquire "how are you" but also what are you

feeling?  If you think about it, how are you is one of the most common questions we ask, but it can be a rather

inconsiderate one. The usual answer is fine or OK. It does not allow for a great deal conversation. When you ask, how

are you feeling you are inquiring deeper. Someone who is asked that question will get the notion you want to know how

he really is feeling. It may necessary to ask a few times in different ways to get to the real answers.

When you ask, what are you feeling be prepared to hear almost anything. The person could say they think a whole lot

about passing away or they are apprehensive about what the future holds for the children. Or possibly he is afraid he

isn’t going live a year. Be ready to listen and hear the answer he gives you. You do not have to have a reply, but you

should be set to hear the harsh words the question can provoke.

Your conversation with your loved ones should be direct and on an adult level.  The last thing an elder person needs

with a serious affliction is for you to be patronizing or treat them like a kid. The senior needs straight talk constantly

being compassionate and kind. Here’s a opportunity for caring support from your loved ones and their friends.

People with cancer and serious diseases frequently need to get the opinions of those around them regarding their

health problems, medications, and treatment outlook. Stay straight forward, but don’t attempt to answer questions

that you don’t know the answers to. A senior with cancer will be able to sense your honesty and be thankful for it.

While having their illness, seniors with a serious disease might express frustration and anger to friends or family.

Remember that our seniors with serious diseases pass through quite a few stages including denial, negotiation anger,

and acceptance. During the denial and anger levels, their communication could upset relatives and friends, but it can

help to bear in mind that seniors often shift their feelings onto people close to him or her. They seem to do it because

the people closest to them are safe to talk to. They realize that you will still be there for them, especially if they act

terribly and create tension. Frequently, the person is frustrated and angry concerning the cancer or disease and the loss

it brings, but that is hard to discuss. The senior may take out their angry feelings on family, friends, or anybody that

happens to be around at the time.

Remember, they will open up to you only if and when they trust you. Always be a good listener first and express

compassion and love.  Seniors usually talk themselves through the stages knowing that you are there to support them

all the way.

When using a caregiver, be sure the caregiver is trained to handle conversation with your senior.

For more information on senior care and home care in the Phoenix area contact Care-To-Go.  Senior Travel Companion

service is available at CareToGoTravel.com

Home Care Services Provide Happiness For The Elderly in Phoenix, AZ

The secret to happiness for most seniors is for them to keep living in their own homes. The thought of moving from the

familiarity of their homes and switching to assisted living is quite impossible. Given that many elderly people gradually

begin to lose functioning ability or have other health issues, they usually require help as they grow older. Because of

these issues, it truly is vital for these seniors to have caregivers which are capable of providing suitable in-home care.

Home care for seniors should involve a number of types of caregivers. Most of the time, the first caregiver might be a

family member or close friend who either lives with the senior or regularly cares for the senior. Some social workers and

clergymen may also be involved in some cases of elder care in the homeThere are agencies that could be contacted to

help with home care of the elderly, such as CNAs, home aids and caregivers.

Personal caregivers can be contracted on either a regular basis or on a part time basis. Short-term care is usually called

respite care and is normally used when the caregiver who supplies the home care needs time away. Respite care allows

the regular caregiver take a break without being concerned about care for the senior.

Caregivers that are hired to help with home care for the elderly provide important services in the lives of seniors they

care for. Caregivers often become companions and beloved friends. They can do activities with the seniors, such as

playing cards or helping with household tasks. They also take the elders to doctors or shopping. They also help take

care of the home where the senior can not, such as doing the house cleaning and laundry.

The services provided by personal caregivers are individualized and should be customized to fit the elder’s specific

needs and wants. Therefore, it can take a good deal of searching to find the right home care agency and caregiver. It is

important to assess the elder’s needs and requests before beginning care. 

When interviewing potential caregivers, it is important to do so in two parts. First, interview the agency and caregiver

alone, without the senior present. This is useful because it offers an opportunity to speak frankly and clearly about the

senior’s requirements, without the worry of embarrassing the senior. Next, it is essential to involve the senior to take

part in choosing the caregiver. Having the senior citizen involved in the caregiver decision making process provides an

opportunity to start a healthy relationship between the caregiver and elders.

If you choose a personal caregiver, a family member, a visiting nurse, or anyone else providing home care, choosing the

appropriate home care is essential for keeping seniors happy and well cared for.

One Phoenix area home care agency, Care-To-Go provides complete information on caregiving services. 

Care-To-Go.com can also provide a caregiver or a personal travel companion.

Phoenix Home Care Caregiver Explains How To Talk With Someone With Cancer Or Other Serious Diseases

One of the most important ways to help your communication is not to ask "how are you" but also what are you feeling If you think about it, how are you is one of the most common questions we ask, but it can be a rather thoughtless one. The expected answer is OK or good. It does not lead to much discussion. When you ask, "What are you feeling?" you are digging deeper. Someone who is asked that may get the notion that you want to know how they are doing.

When you ask, what are you feeling be ready to hear anything. The person could say he thinks a great deal about death or he is worried about whatever the future has in store for the children. Or perhaps he is fearful that he won’t survive a year. Be ready to pay attention and hear the reaction he tells you. You do not have to have a response, but you have to be ready to hear the pain and anguish that the inquiry may provoke.
Communication with your loved ones must be direct and on an adult level.  The last thing an elder wants with a serious affliction is for you to be condescending or treat them like a kid. Your loved one needs straight talk constantly being empathetic and kind. Here’s a opportunity for caring support from their loved ones and their friends.
Elders with cancer every now and then need to get an opinions of those near to them on their illness, treatment, and treatment outlook. Stay open and honest, but don’t endeavor to respond to questions that you don’t know a good answer to. A senior with cancer will sense your honesty and appreciate it.

While having their illness, the elderly with cancer and serious diseases may express frustration and anger to friends and family. Remember that seniors with serious diseases pass through quite a few stages including denial, negotiation anger, and acceptance. Within the denial and anger stages, their conversation can offend families and their friends, but it can help to bear in mind that elders frequently shift their feelings onto friends and family close to him or her. Your loved ones do this since the people closest to them are safe. They know you will still be there for him or her, even if they act badly or create tension. Often, the senior is really frustrated and angry concerning the illness and the losses it brings, but that is hard to discuss. So they could take out their feelings on family, friends, or anyone else that happens to be near by at the time.

Commonly a high quality caregiver helping in the home can be a bridge for communication among family members.
More help for seniors posts can be found on Care-To-Go.com

Phoenix Home Care Caregiver Reveals 12 Ideas for Elderly Vision Loss–How to Reduce the of Dangers at Home

Probably the many overwhelming physical conditions associated with ageing years is the loosing of eyesight because of conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma.  Because this occurs it becomes apparent how necessary eyesight is to our seniors.  In later life our loved ones spend increasingly more time looking out the window, watching Television or reading. A personal caregiver can assist with making home safe.

Here are a number of tips to consider which could reduce the likelihood of this leading to problems in the home:

Security At Home
1.    Eliminate anything your loved one might trip over, for example small coffee tables, toys on the floor, small rugs.
2.    Ensure that there are clear pathways within and to each room.
3.    Paint doors and door trim colors that contrasts with the wall colors, so they will stand out more. Do the same with stair rails.
4.    Put yellow and black strips on the edge of all steps and also at the start and end of ramps.
5.    Install safety bars for the tub and shower.
6.    Ask your senior and let them let you know what type of help, could be appreciated.

Patients and Wellness Issues
7.    Try to be as understanding as possible through the adjustment time, because frustration and anger could be forthcoming.
8.    Studies have found that eating great quantities of some carbohydrates that cause blood sugar levels to rise and then fall rapidly could have a better chance of developing central eyesight reduction while they age. Some examples of these foods are: white bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, sugar and corn syrups.
9.    Encourage your senior to get with a support organization, where others in exactly the same state share their feelings about and strategies to cope with vision loss.
10.    Encourage your loved one to take part in eyesight treatment programs, and then accompany him or her to several. This will teach you what your senior can do independently, enabling you to support his or her successes.
11.    Encourage your loved one to get help from someone trained in dealing with vision concerns, either individually or in groups.
12.    Many seniors with vision loss are advised to discontinue smoking, because smoking will double the chance of developing macular degeneration, one of the main causes of vision loss in our seniors. Persuade your senior to get help to stop smoking.

More help for seniors tips and articles are available at Care-To-Go.com   Home Care CareGivers in the Phoenix area are available for Senior assistance

Phoenix CareGiver Shows How The Population Is Changing As Boomers Age

Here’s what happening: America’s population is aging rapidly thanks to the baby boomer generation. The group is living longer as a whole than any generation in our history. As this group ages it becomes a blessing and it’s also a problem that creates worries and stress for the adult children of our elders.

When family members don’t live in the same town as their parents or who simply don’t have the time to attend to them, need to be assured that their needs are getting the level of attention essential to maintain their quality of life.
Assisted living facilities and rest homes can be too expensive for most families, especially in these difficult economic times. There are professional agencies that offer many of the same services as assisted living or residential communities while the elderly retain the independence that comes with remaining in their own homes. Most seniors relish their independence and struggle to maintain it. Staying in their own home is a major component in keeping their independence.

Here are some ways that a good Home Care provider can provide peace of mind for families and seniors.

A Caregiver can assist the senior at home, running errands and accompanying the senior to doctor appointments. At home the tasks are commonly called activities of daily living (ADL)
These activities include help with cooking, cleaning, shopping, dressing assistance, performing daily hygiene routines as well as many other household activities. Home care CareGivers can help with bathing, dressing, grooming, dental care, and more when seniors need a little extra assistance. For many elderly people, simply getting in and out of the tub can be dangerous, home care caregivers are there to keep seniors safe as well as maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle.
Home care professionals can also be trusted companions, providing empowering conversations and various therapies to enhance a senior’s day. These Home Care CareGivers can also take care of other tasks that may be difficult for some seniors such as: walking dogs, answering phones, meal preparation, laundry, and more. In some cases, live in and full housekeeping services are available.

Transportation Services

Transportation for seniors falls into two categories, local errands and extended trips.

Locally a senior needs go to appointments for eye glasses, hearing aids, dentists and other medical appointments. There is also a regular need for shopping trips or visiting the local senior center for lunch or bingo. All of these can be taken care of by the CareGiver using the clients car or the Caregivers’ car.

When a senior needs to travel on a longer trip by air, rail or ship, the services of a Personal Travel Companion are required. Paid Travel Companions are skilled in travel services as well as CareGiving.

For the family of a senior, the services of a Home Care CareGiver or a Paid Travel Companion can provide peace of mind knowing that their senior is well taken care of and safe.

Phoenix Home Care can be found at Care-To-Go.com and Travel Companion services can be found at CareToGoTravel.com

Phoenix CareGiver Explains How To Keep Track Of Medications

As we age doctors prescribe more and more prescriptions. There are so many kinds, side effects, restrictions and cautions that it becomes difficult to keep it all straight and be safe. Your caregiver can help with forms to keep track. You should have a master list, a log of drugs taken each day, and a separate sheet for medications that have serious side effects or special instructions. Included here are 5 Medication Tips to keep it all straight.

The Medications List

This form should have the basic information about the medication including times to be taken and description. The information included should have name, doctor’s name, doctor’s phone and address, pharmacy phone and address. The date of birth and social security number should be here because this is how pharmacy computers identify the patient for refills.

The Medications Side Effects Sheet

This form is just what it says. The patients name, address and phone should be here of course. There should also be a listing of drug names, dosage, frequency, and classification. There should be plenty of space for side effects, special instructions and cautions. There may be one drug per page.

7 Tips For Medications

Medication Tip #1

Keep your lists of medications current as prescriptions are added and removed. Keep several copies for your reference and be sure to take one with you for each doctor visit. Another helpful idea is the list the medications by which ones are taken in the morning, at dinner, and at bedtime.

Medication Tip #2

Be sure the medications are taken the way your health provider tells you to. Your medications are intended to help improve your health now and to prevent health problems in the future.

Medication Tip #3

Be sure to take your medications even if you feel fine. Some medications are intended to run for a specific amount of time and some take a step down process to stop the medication. Most medications however, are intended to help you feel better so don’t stop without consulting your health care professional.

Medication Tip #4

• Keep organized.
• Have your medication list with you at all times and posted around the house where you take medications, Kitchen, bathroom etc.
• Keep your list divided into AM, PM, and bedtime if you have medications taken at several times a day.
• Use a pill box organizer laid out for a week and labeled for each day. You still have to mark which ones are for different times a day.
  

Medication Tip #5

Always talk to your pharmacist and health care provider about your entire list of medications. Often times you will have medications prescribed by several different health care providers. Be sure they all know your entire list of medications. Your pharmacist can also coordinate all of your medications in one place for you. This is especially important when you add a new one.

Medication Tip #6

Check your medication bottle label. Verify that the medication is the correct one, correct dosage and note any special instruction. The label will also tell you how many times you may refill it, the date it was filled and the date the prescription was written.

Medication Tip #7

When you need help understanding your medications, take an advocate with you to the doctors’ office and the pharmacy. Your CareGiver should be at each appointment with you. As an advocate, your CareGiver will be sure all instructions, side effects, and cautions are understood and written down. The CareGiver can then help with the lists you will keep as will as organizing you pill boxes for each week.

Be absolutely sure you understand everything about your medications. It is your responsibility to regulate your own health so if you don’t understand everything at the doctors’ be sure to have an advocate with you.

Medication Summary

• Learn about your medications and why you take each one.
• Talk with your health care provider and pharmacist about all your medications.
• Keep your medication lists up to date and handy.
• Organize your medications using a pillbox.
• Read and understand your medications labels.
• Take a CareGiver with you as an advocate to doctors’ appointments and to the pharmacy.