When Was the Last Time You Went Through Your Mom’s Medicine Cabinet?
You clean your mom’s refrigerator, cupboards, and freezer from time to time. You help her take care of her general housecleaning. When was the last time you cleaned out her medicine cabinet? It’s an easy task to overlook, but it’s one that is extremely important.
Steps to Cleaning a Medicine Cabinet
Remove everything from her cabinet. Check the expiration dates. If anything is expired, you need to get rid of it. Prescription drugs need to be disposed of at a medication drop-off at a police station, pharmacy, or a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event.
Over-the-counter medications need to be disposed of properly, too. In some towns, that means disposing of them in the trash, but they need to be placed with something like used coffee grounds or cat litter. That prevents someone from trying to steal them.
With the expired and outdated medications cleared out, set the remaining medications aside. Wipe down the cabinet to remove any dust or spills. A solution of bleach and water is suitable for killing any bacteria.
Check for Problematic Side Effects, Recalls, and Contraindications
Now that you’ve cleared and cleaned the medicine cabinet, you need to check the remaining medications for issues. These are the things to look for.
Take the remaining medications with you to a computer. Check each medication for recalls. Look to see what the possible side effects are and if there are medications that shouldn’t be taken together. Some medications can lower their effectiveness when taken together. If there are issues, set those aside. The rest can be put away.
For the medications that concern you, call your mom’s doctor to see if the doctor is aware she has both of the medications in her possession. The doctor will have advice. If you’re told to dispose of any of those medications, get rid of them properly.
With the medications that remain, make sure you understand when they should be taken, how to take them, and if there are things that must be avoided. For example, some prescription medications are not meant to be taken on an empty stomach, but others must be taken on an empty stomach. Timing meals with medication dosages is important.
Have you looked into the many ways home care services can help your mom? If she’s having a harder time remembering to take her medications, caregivers can help. If she’s struggling with household chores and organization, home care services is essential. Call our agency to discuss the services that can help her age at home.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care Services in Perry GA please contact the caring staff at Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services, Inc. today at 478-745-5111.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare has been providing in-home care services since 2002 throughout the Macon and Middle Georgia Area.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services provides in-home care that improves the lives of the clients. Our services help them maintain the highest possible level of independent living. We provide In-home private duty care and care management services for seniors throughout the Middle Georgia area.
Our CNA (certified nursing aides), caregiver, and companion services allow our clients to age in the place where they feel most comfortable and secure - at home. Combine our Home Care Services, with our Geriatric Care Management component, and we provide the most comprehensive assistance for the Middle Georgia areas seniors.
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