Managing medications is an important part of caregiving that can be challenging.
There can be a lot to organize:
- Monitoring the timing of when medications are taken
- What needs to be taken with medication (food, other meds, etc.)
- Being aware of possible side effects
The Medication Management Chapter explores the following topics:
- How to manage medications when there are multiple caregivers
- Assisting the person you care for to take their medications safely
- Instructions and organization techniques to support independence and compliance
- What to do if the person you care for says ‘no’ to their medications
- How to support a person living with dementia to take their medications
- Alternatives to medications
- Myths about medication use
- Tips for talking to health care providers about medication management
- How to find additional support for you and the person you care for
Common Terms
Throughout the Medication Management Chapter, we’ll explore the following terms:
| Polypharmacy | A medical term that describes taking many medications including prescribed and/or over-the-counter and herbal/supplemental products. |
| Alternative Medicine | The use of non-mainstream approaches instead of traditional Western medicine. |
| Complementary Medicine | The use of non-mainstream approaches along with traditional Western medicine. |
| Non-mainstream Approach | Many different approaches to health, healing and symptom management. Some examples include: yoga, deep breathing, meditation, massage, acupuncture, art and music therapy, and more. |
Next Steps
- Download the Caregiving Strategies Handbook for reference to all chapters in one location.
- If you want to learn more Caregiving Strategies, register for the online course. This course allows you to work through these topics at your own pace alongside other caregivers.
- Sign up below if you would like to receive updates from PGLO about resources for caregivers and or upcoming online course offerings.