GLOBAL HEALTH AGING

Remembering to take medication is important, but it’s not always simple. It can be difficult to add something new into your routine, especially if you have any memory problems or struggle with things like concentration or executive function. When you have to take medication every day, it usually doesn’t matter if you’re a bit late or miss a dose. However, if you constantly forget to take your medication, it can start to become a problem. There are things you can do if you want to remember to take medication or ensure someone you care for is taking their medication. Try these tips to be more consistent.

Make It Part of Your Routine

Tying medication to an existing part of your routine can be a useful way of taking it more consistently. You likely already have daily habits or a routine that you follow, so it can be easier to take your medication if you do it at the same time as something else. For example, you could take your medication when you have breakfast, especially if it’s better to take it with or after a meal. You could also do it when you brush your teeth or at any other time that would be convenient for you.

Use an App or Alarm

Reminders can be useful for some people who have trouble remembering to take their medication. For some people, a sign or note reminding them in the right location can be enough. However, other people can benefit from timely reminders that are visual or perhaps make a noise. Setting an alarm on your phone can help or you might want to consider using an app specifically for the purpose of reminding you about your medication. There are plenty of these types of apps to choose from that can help you to make your medication part of your routine.

Get Needed Support

Sometimes it’s much easier to remember to take medication with the right support. Having someone to remind you and make sure you take it is often the best way to ensure you don’t forget. For older people, in home senior care can be one of the best options for managing medication and other care needs. Carers can provide reminders and supervision for taking medication to ensure it’s done properly. Family and friends can also provide support. There might be someone you trust to remind you about your medication and check that you’ve taken it.

Store Medication Smartly

The way you store your medication can make a difference if you want to make sure you take it consistently. If your medication is out of sight, it’s more likely to be out of mind. Keeping it somewhere you can see it is important. Of course, you need to ensure you keep it safely away from children or pets. Some people use a pill box to separate their medication into different days, which can be a useful way of remembering if you have already taken your dose for the day.

You might struggle to remember to take medication, but there are multiple techniques you can use to manage it.