Sometimes Forget to Take Medicine

• Most people over the age of 60 take three or more medications a day for a chronic medical condition.
• Medications should be taken as directed by the physician or manufacturer of the drug in order to be effective.

• Request specific instructions from the doctor and/or pharmacists regarding time to take a medication and what to do if a dose is missed.
• Take medications at the same time of day, every day.
• Make a list of all your medications, including over-the-counter medications, and include the name and purpose of the medication, the color of the pill, directions for taking (take with or without food, with water or milk, etc.), time to take, and the name and the phone number of pharmacy.
• Create a reminder system for yourself. For example: use a medication container (available in daily or weekly, single or multiple dose), create a color coded medication bottle and paper system.
• Ask a family member or friend to assist you by phoning you at least once a day.

• Contact your physician or pharmacist for suggestions on medication reminders.

 WEB LINK  

• Ohio State University Extensions "Aging in Ohio":
  www.hec.ohio-state.edu/famlife/aging