Q: The older I get, the more medications I seem to be taking and I’m having trouble remembering what they are for and whether I’m taking them at the correct time of the day. How can I be certain I’m taking the right medications at the right time? And what can I do if I can’t get my medication out of the containers easily?

A: Thankfully, there are now medications that help with most ailments; however, medication management can become more complicated when you are taking several medications every day. In most cases, your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you printed papers that explain what the medication is for, how often it should be taken, whether it is best taken with food or on an empty stomach, and other special instructions. Many people keep that information in a separate folder. Things that may hinder you taking your medications safely are poor memory, poor eyesight, arthritis in your hands, or numbness in your fingertips. In those cases you may want to have in-home assistance from a Registered Nurse. The nurse will review all of your medications with you in your home, order your refills as needed, and set them up for you in weekly or bi-weekly plastic medication minders. We can answer questions about what the medications are for, what could be some side effects to watch for, and how to schedule them at the correct times during the day. Please contact Freedom Home Care at 507.387.HOME (4663) if you are interested in this medication management service for yourself or a loved one.

Sandi Kroeger
Registered Nurse, Case Manager
skroeger@freedomhomecarellc.com