6 Steps to Effective Medication Management for Seniors

1. Gather all medications

Kick things off by collecting everything in one place. Everything. This includes:

• Prescriptions, including medications they take as needed (known as PRN in pharmacy speak)
• Over-the-counter items like pain killers and allergy medicine
• Supplements and vitamins
• Powders like Benefiber, Miralax, or Liquid IV
• Dosage instructions for each item
• The timing for every dose (morning, noon, night, etc.)
• Doctor or pharmacy printouts if available

This may seem like a no-brainer but the subsequent steps rely upon this solid foundation. For instance, I found not including Dad’s (prescribed) over-the-counter medication let those slip through the cracks

Place them on a clean surface where you can work uninterrupted. You need minimal distractions to prevent errors that could be repeated for weeks.

2. Make an exhaustive list

Once gathered, list the following for each item. While you might start with a pen and paper, I recommend dropping this list in your favorite note-taking app. I’ve used Bear for years. If you want to really geek out, this is ripe for Google Sheets or Excel. The important thing is this list will evolve as your parent’s care plan evolves, so you want this easily editable and extensible, characteristics pen & paper tend to lack in the long term.

Okay, jot these down for each medication:

• Medication name – both generic and brand names
• Rx number
• Prescribing physician and their phone number
• Dosage – including unit of measure like “mg”
• Frequency
• Time of day, if applicable
• With or without food, if applicable
• Any special instructions, e.g. “Take only if systolic is under 100”

Why do you need rather minuscule information like an Rx number for a senior medication management plan? Because this list is going to double as the single source of truth for future doctor appointments, understanding private or Medicare explanation of benefits, and placed in your Hospital Bag.

Review your parent’s medication list with their pharmacist. They have a global line of sight across their prescriptions and can spot red flags that specialists might miss.

Our recommended senior medication management logs are part of our guide on 8 Must-Have Assistive Devices for Elderly Independence.

3. Choose the right pill organizer

Now that you have your updated medication list and a daily schedule, it’s time to choose a pill organizer that fits your parent’s routine. Whether you opt for a simple, field-tested model or a techie smart pill organizer, the key is to pick one that meets your parent’s unique needs.

When evaluating options, look for:

• Compartments large enough for all the pills for each dose (can it hold multiple large pills at once?)
• Enough sections to match your daily schedule—some have just one, others offer up to six compartments per day
• Clear, durable labels (AM/PM, days of week, icons) that won’t fade from the wear and tear from purses and Go Bags.
• Easy-open design, but secure enough to stay closed
• Modular features; some organizers let you detach each day’s pills to throw in a bag or luggage. Handy, but easier to misplace if memory is an issue

The elderly can often have trouble swallowing or managing large pills, so if your aging parent falls in that category, consider using a pill splitter or crusher. Some caregivers mix crushed pills into a protein shake or meal replacement, which can help with both medication and nutrition.

Our recommendations for the best pill organizers for seniors are part of our guide on 8 Must-Have Assistive Devices for Elderly Independence.

4. Identify daily anchors

With the frequency and time-of-day mapped out, talk with your parent about which daily activities would work best as anchors for their medication routine. Make sure to factor in whether each medication needs to be taken with food, without food, or if it doesn’t matter.

Here are some thought starters for medication time triggers:

• Favorite TV show
• Physical therapy regimen
• Brushing teeth
• Morning walk
• Checking mail or email
• Coffee or tea time
• Evening news
• Calling a friend or family member
• Feeding a pet
• Before or after bathing
• Putting on pajamas
• Hopping into bed

5. Fill the organizer carefully

Measure twice, cut once. The way you fill the organizer will make or break your medication management for elderly family members.

• Wash your hands or put on gloves before handling any medications.
• Use a well-lit, clutter-free surface to minimize the risk of losing the pills that slip through your fingers.
• Use a pill cutter for split doses, and clean it after each use so your not mixing medications.
• Double-check each compartment and use your medication chart or a tracker app to visually confirm every pill is in the right place.
• If multiple people help with care, initial the organizer or log the fill date where everyone can see it.

Caregivers need anchors too. Pick a weekly refill time so you remember, and your parent doesn’t need to worry if they have their pills.

6. Routinely review and refresh

Medications change and new daily schedules form, so make it a habit to review your elderly loved one’s medication routine regularly. Once a month, or after any prescription change, double-check the medication list, pill organizer, and visual chart. Confirm instructions and doses are up-to-date, and ask the pharmacist if anything in the regimen has changed.

A quick refresh can prevent errors, catch outdated instructions, and keep your medication management for elderly family members running smoothly.

The Caregiver Field Guide shares experience based guidance to help you navigate caregiving. This content is informational and not a replacement for professional medical, legal, or financial advice. Please consult qualified experts when making decisions about care.