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I need help managing my mom's medications!


managing medications

Dear Nurse Nessa is Nestcare's nurse advice column. Questions can be submitted HERE, and are answered by Registered Nurses with over a decade of experience in home care, home health, or related nursing fields.




Dear Nurse Nessa,

I’m the primary caregiver for my 85-year-old mother, and I’m having trouble managing all her medications and keeping up with her many healthcare appointments. I often feel like I’m forgetting something, and it’s starting to stress me out. Do you have any tips for organizing medications and keeping track of appointments to ensure she stays on top of her health?


Thank you, Lauren




nurse nessa managing medications

Dear Lauren,


Thank you for reaching out, and I completely understand how overwhelming it can be to juggle the many aspects of caregiving for an aging parent. Keeping track of medications and healthcare appointments is a significant challenge, especially when your mother has multiple prescriptions and frequent medical visits. You’re not alone in feeling stressed—it’s a common concern for caregivers. The good news is that with the right organization tools and strategies, you can regain control and ensure that your mother stays on top of her health without it taking a toll on your own well-being.

I’ll share some practical tips on how to manage medications and keep track of appointments so that you feel more confident and less overwhelmed.


managing medications

First, Create a Medication Management System

Managing your mother’s medications can be daunting, especially if she has prescriptions for multiple conditions. A simple and consistent system can make all the difference.


Use a Pill Organizer

A pill organizer is one of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure your mother is taking the correct medications at the right times. You can find weekly or monthly pill organizers that have compartments for each day, and even sections for morning, afternoon, and evening doses. This helps eliminate the guesswork and allows you to see at a glance whether medications have been taken. There are also some automatic pill dispensers like Hero and SMART Dispenser that may help.


Set Up Medication Reminders

Consider using a medication reminder system to help you and your mother keep track of when she needs to take each dose. You can use phone alarms, medication reminder apps, or even devices specifically designed to alert when it’s time to take medicine. Many apps can be linked to your phone, so you can receive alerts, too, ensuring you both stay on schedule.


Keep a Medication List

It’s crucial to have an up-to-date medication list that includes all prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements your mother is taking. This list should include the following information:

  • Medication name

  • Dosage

  • How often it is taken

  • The reason for the medication

  • The prescribing doctor

Keep a copy of this list with you, and update it every time there’s a change in her prescriptions. Having this list on hand will also make healthcare appointments more efficient and help avoid any confusion with new medications or changes.


In Addition, Track Side Effects for Your Parent's Safety

Monitoring for side effects is a critical part of managing your mother’s medications. Many medications come with potential risks that can affect your parent’s health if unnoticed. At Nestcare, our private duty nurses are trained to observe and track any side effects or adverse reactions that may occur. We keep detailed records of your mother’s symptoms, monitor for any changes in her behavior or physical condition, and provide prompt communication with her healthcare providers if adjustments to her medications are needed. By carefully tracking side effects with our personalized checklists, we ensure her medications remain safe and effective, allowing you to have peace of mind knowing her health is constantly being monitored by nurses in our medication management program.


Next, Stay on Top of Healthcare Appointments

Between regular checkups, specialist visits, and therapy appointments, it can feel like a full-time job to keep track of your mother’s healthcare. Here are some strategies to stay organized.


managing medications and a calendar

Use a Shared Digital Calendar

One of the best ways to manage healthcare appointments is to use a digital calendar, such as Google Calendar or Apple Calendar. This allows you to set reminders, block out time for appointments, and easily track her healthcare schedule. You can even share the calendar with other family members or caregivers to ensure everyone is on the same page.


Create a Health Binder

A health binder is a physical resource where you can store all of your mother’s important medical information in one place. This should include:

  • A printed calendar with upcoming appointments

  • Copies of medical records, test results, and doctor’s notes

  • Contact information for doctors and specialists

  • Her medication list

  • Any insurance paperwork or information

This binder can be a lifesaver in emergency situations or when attending multiple doctor’s appointments, as it keeps all of her health information readily accessible.


Prioritize Appointments

It can be helpful to group appointments by priority, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Focus on the most critical appointments first, such as specialist visits or those addressing immediate health concerns, and then schedule routine checkups or follow-ups as needed.


Ask for Help

Caregiving can be a team effort. If you’re struggling to manage all of your mother’s appointments, consider reaching out to family members or friends for assistance. They may be able to take her to appointments or help keep track of the schedule. You can also hire a home health aide to assist with day-to-day care, including transportation to appointments.


managing medications

Also, Use a Caregiving App

There are a number of caregiving apps available that can help you manage medications, appointments, and other caregiving tasks all in one place. Some popular apps include:

  • Medisafe: Helps with medication reminders and tracking.

  • CareZone: Allows you to track medications, organize health information, and manage appointments.

  • MediSafe Pill Reminder: Offers features for reminders, reports, and tracking progress over time.

These apps are designed to make the day-to-day management of your mother’s care easier and less stressful.


Then, Prepare for Appointments Effectively

Before each healthcare appointment, take a few moments to prepare so you can get the most out of the visit. Write down a list of questions you want to ask the doctor, and bring a copy of your mother’s updated medication list. Keep notes on any new symptoms or concerns that have come up since the last appointment.

After the appointment, record any new instructions or medications and update your calendar and medication list accordingly.


Finally, Stay Organized and Give Yourself Grace

It’s important to remember that caregiving is a demanding job, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times. The key is to stay as organized as possible while giving yourself permission to ask for help when you need it.

If managing your mother’s care is becoming too much for you to handle alone, consider looking into professional in-home care services. A private duty nurse or caregiver can help with medication management, transportation to appointments, and even provide companionship, giving you some much-needed relief.


At Nestcare, we understand how crucial medication management is for your aging parent’s health, and we’re here to provide expert support. Our highly trained private duty nurses can assist with organizing and administering medications, ensuring your mother takes the right doses at the right times. We also monitor for potential side effects and communicate directly with healthcare providers if adjustments are needed. Whether it’s preparing weekly pill organizers, setting up medication reminders, or keeping an up-to-date list for doctor visits, Nestcare helps ease the burden of managing medications so you can focus on spending quality time with your loved one. Our in-home care services are personalized to meet your family’s unique needs, offering peace of mind that your parent’s health is in good hands.


Lauren, you’re doing an amazing job caring for your mother, and I hope these tips help make managing her medications and appointments more manageable for you. By creating a system that works for you, using tools like calendars, apps, and medication organizers, and asking for help when needed, you can reduce the stress and ensure your mother gets the care she needs.

If you need more support or have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. You’re not alone on this journey!


Best wishes,Nurse Nessa

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