Medicine Mis-Management
Medicine Mis-Management
Medication management for seniors can be complex due to factors like multiple prescriptions, varying dosages, and the need for timely administration, which can lead to confusion and errors. Implementing systems such as pill organizers, setting reminders, and regular reviews with healthcare providers can help ensure that seniors take their medications correctly and safely.
I often struggled with medication management for my parents. Even though my father had several pillboxes that could have helped him stay organized, he had his own system. I could never figure out how he kept organized given the seventeen pills, two nasal sprays and two inhalers he and my mom needed to take daily.
When my parents moved into assisted living this responsibility became the duty of med techs.
“Are you sure this is the right dosage, Rosie?” Dad would often ask, scrutinizing each pill as if it were a piece of evidence, his role as the unofficial unwavering quality control inspector.
With the patience that I had cultivated over countless similar interactions, I would assure him, “Yes, Dad, I double-checked with the pharmacist. Everything’s as it should be.”
The med techs at the facility quickly learned that earning Dad’s seal of approval was a crucial step in the medication process. Every pill destined for Mom first had to pass Dad’s vigilant examination. “This one looks different. Why is it blue now?” He’d challenge, eyeing any minor change with a blend of curiosity and suspicion.
After my dad passed and I hired caregivers to be with my mom twenty-four hours a day, she would often refuse to take her meds.
Mom had a deep-seated disdain for the very medications designed to alleviate her conditions. “I’m tired of these pills, Rosie. I don’t want them anymore,” she’d protest, pushing away the pill organizer with a mixture of defiance and exhaustion.
“I have been taking these medications for years and they don’t help. I still have the same problems,” she would say. As if taking the meds for years should have by now cured her from her Diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.
I would intervene and tell her, “But mom, they prevent your shaking, and without them you will have pain and you will be uncomfortable.”
“I don’t care,” she would say. We would argue several times a week, and sometimes I had to just give up.
Driven to the brink by worry and love, I resorted to a kind of gentle deception, hiding the essential pills in applesauce or her favorite nutritional shakes. “Just a new flavor, Mom,” I’d say, hoping the sweet disguise would ease the medicine’s passage.
This dance of subterfuge and insistence on medication wove a complex layer into my relationship with Mom. Our daily encounters around her medication became a poignant reflection of our intertwined lives, a delicate dance of independence versus care, resistance versus acceptance.
The Pill Case Strategy
Amelia and Edward’s Story
Amelia knew her father Edward to be a man of precision and routine. But as his health declined and his medication list grew long, managing his daily pills became a daunting task. Despite several alarm reminders and new pill organizers, Edward insisted on tracking everything in his mind.
“Dad, Dr. Johnson recommended that we use these new pill cases and label them clearly. It’ll make things so much easier,” Amelia suggested, holding up the brightly colored, clearly labeled pillboxes.
Edward waved her off, his pride a barrier to her suggestion. “Amelia, I’ve managed my own system for years. I don’t need these new gadgets telling me what to do.”
Amelia sighed, knowing this conversation would be a challenge. “Dad, it’s not about gadgets. Dr. Johnson said it’s important to ensure you’re taking the right dosage at the right time. It’s about your health.”
Edward narrowed his eyes, his stubborn streak surfacing. “I know what I’m doing, Amelia. I don’t need a doctor or anyone else to tell me how to take my medicine.”
A few days later, they were back in Dr. Johnson’s office for a routine check-up. Amelia took the opportunity to bring up the medication issue. “Dr. Johnson, can you please explain to my dad why using the labeled pill cases is crucial?”
Dr. Johnson nodded, understanding the situation immediately. “Edward, I understand you’ve been managing well on your own, but with the number of medications you’re on, it’s very easy to mix things up. These labeled pill cases are designed to help you stay organized and safe.”
Edward looked skeptical. “I have my own way of keeping track, Doc. I don’t see the need to change now.”
Dr. Johnson leaned forward, his tone firm but compassionate. “Edward, I’ve seen too many cases where people miss doses or take the wrong medication because they’re trying to remember everything in their heads. It’s a lot to keep track of, and it’s okay to use tools that make it easier.”
Amelia jumped in, her voice softening. “Dad, please. Just give it a chance. For me? I worry about you every day.”
Edward sighed, the combined concern of his daughter and doctor finally breaking through his defenses. “Alright, I’ll give it a shot. But if I don’t like it, we’re going back to my system.”
Back home, Amelia set up the new pill organizers, labeling each compartment with the day and time. “There, all done. Now you just have to follow the labels.”
Edward grumbled but followed the new routine. Over the next few weeks, Amelia noticed a significant improvement. Her father seemed less stressed and more consistent with his medication.
One evening, as they sat together watching TV, Edward turned to her and said, “You know, Amelia, I think these pill cases might be helping. I haven’t missed a dose since we started using them.”
Amelia smiled, relief washing over her. “I’m glad to hear that, Dad. It’s all about making things easier for you.”
Edward nodded, finally accepting the change. “I guess I was just too stubborn to see that you were right.”
Amelia squeezed his hand. “I’m just happy you’re taking care of yourself. That’s all that matters.”
Through this journey, Amelia learned the importance of patience and persistence in caring for her father. The new pill cases became a symbol of their teamwork and the power of compromise and love in overcoming obstacles.
Remembering Routine
Sloane and Gracie’s Story
Sloane knew her mother, Gracie, to be a whirlwind of energy and determination. Gracie had managed the household, raised her three children, and juggled a demanding career with ease. But as the years passed, Sloane noticed small signs of forgetfulness creeping into her mother’s once flawless routine.
“Mom, did you take your pills this morning?” Sloane asked during a phone call.
Gracie paused, a hint of confusion in her voice. “I think so, dear. I’m pretty sure I did.”
Sloane’s worry grew as these instances became more frequent. One afternoon, she visited her mother and found pills scattered on the kitchen counter. “Mom, what happened here?” she asked, her concern evident.
Gracie looked embarrassed. “I thought I took them, but then I wasn’t sure. So I took another dose, just to be safe.”
Sloane’s heart sank. “Mom, we can’t keep doing this. You could end up taking too much or missing doses. It’s dangerous.”
Gracie sighed. “I know, Sloane. It’s just so hard to keep track of everything.”
Determined to help, Sloane scheduled an appointment with Dr. Miller, Gracie’s physician. Together, they discussed the issue and came up with a solution. “We need to make sure your medications are organized and clearly labeled, Gracie,” Dr. Miller advised. “It’s important to have a system in place.”
Back at home, Sloane introduced her mother to a new set of pill organizers, each compartment labeled by day and time. “Mom, these will help you keep track of your pills. We’ll fill them up together every week.”
Gracie was hesitant. “I’ve always managed on my own, Sloane. Do I really need these?”
“Yes, Mom,” Sloane replied gently. “It’s just to make sure you’re safe. And I’ll help you every step of the way.”
They spent the afternoon sorting through the medications, carefully placing each pill in the correct compartment. Sloane also set up reminders on Gracie’s phone with a soft chime to alert her when it was time to take her medicine.
Over the next few weeks, the difference was remarkable. Gracie no longer missed doses or accidentally took extra pills. The reminders and pill organizers became a part of her daily routine, bringing a sense of order and safety to her life.
One evening, Gracie called Sloane with a newfound confidence in her voice. “You know, these pill boxes aren’t so bad after all. I haven’t missed a dose all week.”
Sloane smiled, relief washing over her. “I’m glad to hear that, Mom. “The aim is to make everything more convenient for you.”
Gracie nodded, her voice softer. “Thank you, Sloane. I didn’t realize how much I needed this.”
Sloane’s heart swelled with love. “I’m just happy you’re looking after yourself. That’s what counts.”
The pill organizers and reminders had brought back a sense of stability to Gracie’s life. Sloane knew that with a little support and a lot of love, they could handle anything that came their way.