---
title: "What Is Medication management? Home Care Glossary | HomeCare.com"
description: "Medication management is the full set of steps for using medicines safely. It includes keeping an up-to-date list, refilling on time, taking the right..."
url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/medication-management/
publisher: HomeCare.com
phone: 800-974-3458
start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com
---

Daily living and health

# Medication management

Medication management is the full set of steps for using medicines safely. It includes keeping an up-to-date list, refilling on time, taking the right doses, watching for side effects, and reviewing them with a doctor or pharmacist. Families and clinicians share the work.

## Why it matters for your family

Older adults often take several medicines, which raises the chance of side effects and interactions. A written list that includes over-the-counter drugs and supplements helps every visit. Tools like pill organizers and alerts help with timing. Ask a doctor whether each medicine is still needed, and do not stop one alone. A common mistake is keeping old medicines or mixing up bottles. Dementia can make self-management unsafe, so someone else may need to oversee it. A non-medical caregiver can remind a person to take medicine, but does not give it.

Source: [nia.nih.gov](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/medicines-and-medication-management/taking-medicines-safely-you-age)

## Related terms

-   [**Medication reminder**A medication reminder is a prompt that tells a person it is time to take a medicine they already have.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/medication-reminder/)
-   [**Medication administration**Medication administration means giving a person their medicine, such as handing over the dose, measuring liquids, or giving an injection.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/medication-administration/)
-   [**Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)**Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are tasks needed to live on your own, such as managing money, taking medicines, cooking, housekeeping, shopping, and using transportation or a phone.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/instrumental-activities-of-daily-living/)
-   [**Cognitive decline**Cognitive decline is a drop in memory, thinking, judgment, or language.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/cognitive-decline/)
-   [**Chronic condition**A chronic condition is a health problem that lasts a year or more and needs ongoing medical attention, limits daily activities, or both.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/chronic-condition/)
-   [**Care plan**A care plan is a written plan that lists a person's needs, goals, tasks, schedule and who does what.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/care-plan/)

[All glossary terms](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/)

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