As caregivers, we know this question all too well.

Using a medication chart template may seem tedious, but the overlapping realities of old age, numerous ailments, and multiple medications means seniors are particularly susceptible to safety incidents surrounding medication.

In fact, between 75% and 96% of older patients acknowledge making frequent mistakes with their medication.

And when memory loss comes into play, supporting your loved one in taking medication properly becomes even more important.

If you’re asking us, a chart will always come in second to setting expectations, taking time for yourself, and seeking help. That said, whether your role is reminding your loved one to take their medication, or you’re personally responsible for giving it to them, a tangible tracking system is invaluable.

That’s why we’ve developed the following three tailored medication chart templates for seniors. We use these at Benton House, and recommend them to all the caregivers we work with.

Tips for medication management using these templates

• Print out a handful of copies at once for each category, using double sided paper if you wish.
• Keep them in the kitchen of your loved one, where they’ll be visible. The refrigerator is a popular spot, but a basket on the counter can also work well.
• Write out the date for the current week at the top of each page, in case you need to refer back.
• For each template, write in the name of the medication and how often (and when) your loved one is meant to take it.
• Fill out the chart as a timeline in order of a day. For example, if your loved one is meant to take one dose at 8 am, with breakfast, and then another at 6 pm, with dinner, give each dose its own line so that it shows up twice. That way you (or they) can easily check off both their am and pm dose.
• Each time a medication is taken, write an “x” underneath the corresponding day of the week.
• Keep filled out charts in a folder or binder together for a while, both to track yourself and share with a physician if any questions come up.

Over the Counter Medication Chart Template

Use this chart to track over the counter medicine taken regularly.

This category may include vitamins and supplements that can be picked up at the grocery store, or over the counter at the pharmacy.

Benton House Over The Counter Medication Chart Template

PRN Medications / As Prescribed Chart Template

Use this chart to track medications that have been prescribed by a doctor for a short period of time.

Sometimes, this may need a prescription, but this chart can also be used for over the counter medicines. The key is that it’s medicine that has been prescribed.

For example, this may include a temporary recommendation to take Advil as needed to recover from a surgery.

Benton House PRN Medication Chart Template

Routine Medications Chart Template

Use this chart to track medications that have been prescribed by a doctor to take routinely.

This could include anything from antibiotics to probiotics to medicated ear drops that are prescribed.

Benton House Routine Medication Chart Template

Next Steps

We hope these charts help you support your loved one in taking their medications safely.

Need more tailored advice or have a specific worry? Let us help. Call or send us a message to get your caregiving at home questions answered.

The post Medication Chart Template For Seniors: Keep Mom’s Health On Track appeared first on Benton House.

Make sure she (consistently) takes her medicine…

Run to the grocery store to stock up on nutritious food she’ll actually eat…

Sound familiar?

If you’re taking care of elderly parents at home, there’s likely nothing you wouldn’t do for them. But no matter how long the to-do list, we each still get only 24 hours in a day — and at least a third of that should be spent sleeping!

So how do you keep all those plates spinning, while keeping yourself sane?

You’re Not Alone

Today, about 1 in 6 Americans are caregivers for a friend or family member 50 years or older. ^[1]

That’s 41.8 million adults who provide unpaid care for family, friends, and neighbors who need help because of health or functional needs.

Which means you’re not alone. But it can often feel that way.

At Benton House we understand the patience and devotion being a caregiver of a senior asks of you. We’re launching this blog to be a resource you can count on. A place you can come time and again for friendly support and expert guidance for taking care of elderly parents at home.

For our inaugural blog, we’re zeroing in on our top three most important tips for caregivers. We’ve honed these over the more than two decades we’ve spent growing alongside our incredible community of seniors.

You may be surprised to discover that none of our top tips include things like medication specifics, how to senior-proof your bathroom, or how much physical exercise is recommended for seniors.

While the above are all important pieces of the puzzle, we’ve found that prioritizing the three tips below is the basis to a successful caregiving relationship that leaves you both as healthy and happy as possible.

Let’s dive in.

Tip #1 — Set Expectations

Set realistic expectations for you and your loved one. How much support can you provide, and what does it look like in reality?

Wondering where to start? First, get clear with yourself. How much can you reasonably commit to taking on? It’s impossible to develop clear expectations with others if you’re not sure what they are yet yourself.

It’s helpful, too, to consider why each expectation matters to you. Why do you need Thursday evenings to yourself? Why is it best to delegate grocery shopping to another family member? Knowing the why behind expectations can help both parties honor and respect boundaries.

Last, writing out expectations can be enormously helpful. From weekly calendars to last-minute medication pickup to when to hire a nurse, having at least a rough idea of day-to-day expectations helps keep life running as smoothly as possible for you and your loved one.

Tip #2 — Take Time for You

The biggest demand when it comes to caregiving? Time.

And take it from us — as our loved ones age, the time required to care well for them only increases.

Which is why it’s important to start as you mean to go on. Take time for you and other members of your family. Failure to do so can result in feelings of resentment from all sides.

It can be tough to remember — or even feel like you have permission — to enjoy a movie with friends, go for a stress-soothing walk, or sit down for a relaxing meal yourself.

But in order to show up as your best self for your loved one, it’s vital to carve out that time.

Consider this your permission slip. Taking time for you and your other family and friends is an essential part of being a caregiver.

Tip #3 — Seek Help

If you take just one thing with you from reading this blog, take this: You don’t have to be in this alone. Ask for help!

There are wonderful resources available to provide assistance in a number of areas. Your doctor, pastor, social workers at hospitals and rehabilitation centers, even professionals like geriatric care managers can offer resources.

And of course, like this blog, the team at Benton House is ready to assist with all your caregiving questions.

Have specific questions? Give us a call or send us a message any time. We’d love to connect you with specific help available in your area.

How Much Time Are You Spending?

If you’re unsure how much time you’re spending on caregiving, consider rolling through this Caregiver Time and Focus tool to get a clear sense of your current baseline. Then, try re-assessing with our top three tips to create a schedule that works as smoothly as possible for your loved one and you.

Remember Your Own Needs When Taking Care of Elderly Parents

Notice a trend? Our best (hardwon) advice for you as a caregiver centers around making sure you’re taking care of yourself, first.

Because at the end of the day, staying healthy yourself is the best way to ensure you can keep showing up for your loved ones.

Next Steps:

Need more tailored advice or have a specific worry? Let us help. Call or send us a message to get your caregiving at home questions answered!

^[1] Full report on caregiving in the United States – AARP.org

The post Our Top Three Tips for Taking Care of Elderly Parents at Home Might Surprise You appeared first on Benton House.