Mar 20, 2026
Ensuring the safe and proper use of medication is a critical responsibility for caregivers of older adults, encompassing everything from prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs to vitamins and herbal supplements.
Tonight, on House Call, a medical professional from UHC joins us to discuss the importance of medication safety.
What is your process for keeping track of all the medications an older adult is taking, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, and vitamins?
I maintain an up-to-date, comprehensive medication list that includes the name of the medicine, dosage, and purpose. I keep this list in a safe, accessible place and share it with healthcare professionals, especially before a new medication is prescribed to avoid bad interactions.
How do you ensure that prescriptions are managed efficiently to prevent running out of medication?
I plan ahead to refill prescriptions early to prevent running out of essential medication. I also collaborate with the pharmacist or doctor to confirm the correct medicine is being used as prescribed.
How do you prevent potential interactions between different medications, vitamins, or supplements?
I inform healthcare professionals about all medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. I also recommend that you work with a pharmacist or doctor to review all medications to help ensure new prescriptions do not interact negatively with current ones.
This content was originally posted on the WDTV News website here.
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