Six ways to manage your medication at home
Medications are essential in ensuring good health. They can even be life-preserving for those who suffer from a serious illness.
48% of adults in the UK will have taken at least 1 prescribed medication within the last week, with a quarter taking 3 or more medications.
Managing Medication
Hectic lives, age and accessibility, or vulnerability, can all be factors in how effectively home medication is managed. Try these simple steps to help:
Utilise electronic devices like phones or computers to set alarms as a reminder to take regular medication.
Make taking your medication a part of your daily routine. Examples include after brushing your teeth or when having your morning cup of tea.
Whilst pill boxes may seem like a handy aid for medication, it can be risky to have tablets stored in a box that is not childproof, and where they are no longer identifiable or labelled. Some medications should not be stored outside of their original packaging for long.
For those who take multiple daily medications, the GP or pharmacist may be able to dispense them in previously organised blister packs.
Only take medications under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist and be aware of any looming expiry dates.
Safe Handling of Medication Training
Training for professionals who deal with the administering of medication on a regular basis is highly recommended, either as a refresher or to expand their knowledge of the safe handling of medication. A specialist safe handling of medication course gives insight into how to select, administer and record medicines correctly and safely.
Sometimes taking medications can be difficult because of a wide range of emotions or feelings. Other training, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, can assist professionals in helping those that they support.
