Four easy ways to make medicine management easier

For anyone used to taking regular medication, the thought of managing multiple medications at different times can be troublesome. To remember what time of the day to take them and to consuming them with or without food, it’s a lot of information to process. Taking prescribed medicines in the right way at the right time is important to your well being, however, it’s easy to make mistakes without even realising it.

There are 14.6 million patients that are put on repeat medication in the UK alone of which, around 11.6 million are above 65 years old and will be prescribed more than five ‘regular’ items on their prescription. It is estimated that 50% of these do not eat their medication correctly/ regularly that causes a loss of £500 million every year (the percentage increases with both age and the number of medicines prescribed).

Using following tips along with use of repeat prescription services will help you avoid missing medication:

1. Create a medication plan: Make a list all of your medication, how often you to take them and what they're for. Plan out what medication you need to take each day including the timings. Always keep a copy of your plan handy and share it with your GP and pharmacist. Also make a note of any side effects you experience using this list.

DAILY LIVING AIDS & MOBILITY

2. Opt for Repeat Prescription services: Repeat Prescription services allow a patient to re-order the ongoing set of medication without having to visit a doctor. Not only does it save time and energy, but also ensures that you are never out of a dose. You can order a repeat prescription service from reputed online pharmacies like Pharmacy to my Door which is based in Warwickshire.

3. Use a reminder app: If you’re a tech savvy, there are a lot of apps available on Google Play store that will remind you to take medication on time. Medisafe Pill Reminder & Medication Tracker is one such app that never lets you skip a single dose and even reminds you when to refill. Download here.

4. Switch to a ‘pill’ organiser: If you’re take multiple medicines every day, pill organisers or 'Dosette' type boxes can be helpful. The boxes come with various colourful compartments that you can fill it yourself, or with assistance from family and caretakers. To buy products for mobility and daily aids, click here