Many people want to stay in their homes for as long as they can. If staying in your home is important to you, there are options to help you age in place. Consider these tips to get around, be safe, and stay connected. See the National Institute on Aging’s full article, HERE.
Reach out to people you know or local organizations. Friends, family, and neighbors may be able to drive you to appointments, help with errands and chores, or keep you company. Also, some organizations have volunteers who visit older adults for transportation, support, assistance, and companionship. Contact your local senior information and assistance office (see resource links below) for information.
Be prepared for a medical emergency. If you have a severe allergy or medical need, wear a medical alert ID bracelet or necklace. You might also consider an emergency medical alert system, also known as life alert button or a personal emergency response system (PERS) with GPS and fall detection that can contact 911 and/or a designated contact person.
Talk with your medical provider or pharmacist about when and how to take your medication consistently to avoid an unsafe interaction that could lead to a fall or other health problem. You can also review the printed pamphlet and label of your RX for what to do or avoid around the time you take it.
Use a chart and organization system to help you take medication at consistent times of day and organized to know what to take and when.
- Example chart from heart.org.
- Pill boxes or automated dispensers can be filled from your RX or vitamin bottles to group pills by the time of day you take them. This can help you see that your pills have been taken and reduce the chance of accidently missing or taking too much of a medication or vitamin.
- You can also ask your pharmacy about alternative packaging such as, bubble/blister cards or other “compliance” options and if there is an extra cost to you.
Resource Links
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