Follow the treatment plan
According to the Food and Drug Administration, “Poor adherence can interfere with the ability to treat many diseases, leading to greater complications from the illness and a lower quality of life for patients.”
As a caregiver, you want to be sure your loved one takes:
- The correct medicine (avoid confusion with old prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs)
- The right dosage at the right time
- The medicine for as long as the doctor prescribes
You can increase medication adherence by helping to organize medicines and being mindful of when your loved one is supposed to take them. Establishing a routine, such as taking medicine at bedtime or with meals, can be a helpful reminder. A pill box marked with days of the week may work as well. You can even , Link opens in new window
And if you have questions about a medicine, always ask your doctor or pharmacist.