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
Related terms
- Medication reminderA medication reminder is a prompt that tells a person it is time to take a medicine they already have.
- Medication administrationMedication administration means giving a person their medicine, such as handing over the dose, measuring liquids, or giving an injection.
- 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.
- Cognitive declineCognitive decline is a drop in memory, thinking, judgment, or language.
- Chronic conditionA chronic condition is a health problem that lasts a year or more and needs ongoing medical attention, limits daily activities, or both.
- Care planA care plan is a written plan that lists a person's needs, goals, tasks, schedule and who does what.
