4 As we age, the likelihood of developing medical conditions increases, often necessitating multiple medications. Mismanaging these medications can lead to serious health complications, including hospital admissions. For individuals over 65, up to 30% of hospital admissions are medication-related. Thus, it's crucial to adhere to prescribed medication schedules. However, this can be challenging, especially as medication regimes become more complex or memory deteriorates. At Home Care Assistance, we frequently help our clients manage their medications, ensuring they take the right medications at the right times. Here are some tips to improve medication management. Firstly, ensure all required medications are readily available. This involves keeping track of prescriptions and having them filled in advance to prevent any gaps. When visiting the doctor for check-ups, review which prescriptions are running low and get them refilled. Local pharmacies can often assist in managing and refilling prescriptions. It's also important to dispose of old medications to prevent accidental ingestion of expired or unnecessary drugs. Keeping all medications in one location can help track what is available and ensure they are stored safely, especially if children or pets are around. Maintaining an updated list of all medications and their schedules is beneficial for both the patient and any caregivers. This list is also invaluable during hospital visits or when consulting a new doctor. Setting alarms can be an effective reminder to take medications. These can be simple alarms on a watch or phone apps designed to prompt medication intake. Using a pillbox can simplify daily medication management. These boxes, often labelled with days of the week and times of day, help organise pills and ensure the correct medication is taken at the right time. Ensure the pillbox is user-friendly and securely stored. For those who find opening medication containers difficult, Webster packs from the pharmacy can be an excellent alternative. These blister packs organise daily medications, making it easier to take the right ones. Proper medication management is vital to avoid underdosing or overdosing. Implementing these tips can help your loved one live independently while adhering to their medication regime. However, if these methods prove insufficient, it may be time to seek additional support. A Care Professional providing home care can ensure medications are taken as prescribed. Enlisting the support of a home care agency like Home Care Assistance can significantly enhance the quality of life for those wishing to live independently. Home Care Assistance offers effective solutions for supporting independent living. For more information, contact the friendly team Home Care Assistance on 5528 1643. see advert page 5 Medication Management for Seniors THE PROTECTOR by Tony Park A gripping thriller by Australia’s master of adventure about rescue, revenge and redemption, and the things we do to protect the ones we love. Professor Denise ‘Doc’ Rado is South Africa’s expert on pangolins, busting poachers and freeing the endangered anteaters in elaborate undercover stings. After a risky operation backfires, Doc’s life is shattered, but she still has to lead an eclectic group of donors on a wildlife tour of southern Africa. But there’s a target on her back. As the safari ventures deep into Africa, Doc fears they’re being followed and she will do anything to keep them all safe - especially Ian Laidlaw, a handsome Australian businessman turned accidental philanthropist. Is Doc being hunted by the poachers she once fought, or is there some other bloodthirsty predator prowling the wilderness? ISBN: 9781761261640 | Format: Trade Paperback | Pub Date: 30/07/2024 Category: Thriller / Suspense, Adventure, Modern & Contemporary Fiction (Post C 1945), FICTION / Action & Adventure, FICTION / Thrillers / General, FICTION / Mystery & Detective / General, World Literature / Africa / Southern Africa Imprint: Macmillan Australia | Price: $34.99 TO ENTER write your name, address & phone on the back of an envelope and post to: THE PROTECTOR PO Box 3302, Burleigh Town 4220 • Entries close 31.07.2024 Winners book prize will be couriered so please provide a phone number. You may put phone number inside envelope if you are worried about scams... thankyou! Enter To Win BOOK GIVEAWAY Congratulations May Winners! $50 GIFT CARD SUDOKU: M. Pilgrim, Coombabah CROSSWORD: C. Orzecki, Bundall CRYPTIC: R. McKeon, Tallai THE KING’S WITCHES BOOK COMP A. Angelo, Tugun | K. Clifford, Currumbin Waters N. Kimmins, Broadbeach Waters | M. Bell, Merrimac L. Pryce, Burleigh Waters THE ROBERTSON BROTHERS @ TWIN TOWNS C. Gaskin, Robina Congratulations to our winners! We receive hundreds of entries for our competitions each month so keep on entering, you might be the next lucky winner!
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