Encourage seniors to request medication labels printed in large type on flat surfaces.
Seniors find it easier to read larger type (not block capital letters) on medication labels. It is more difficult for them to read labels on round bottles or containers that they have to turn as they read. Pharmacists could duplicate medication labels and place one label on the medication bottle or container and one on a flat surface such as a medication information sheet, blank piece of paper or medication box.
Tell your patient to take their medication where there is enough light to read medication instructions and see the medication.
Some seniors take their medication in the dark where it is easy to make mistakes.
Tell your patient to stand or sit while they take their medication.
Often seniors will take their medication when they are lying down. Encourage them to sit or stand for at least 15 minutes after they take their medication. Explain to them that their medication can reach their stomach and start to work faster when they are either sitting or standing.
Remind seniors to keep their medication out of the sight and reach of children.
You may want to remind seniors about the medications they carry in their purse as well as those they keep in their home.
Encourage seniors to let you know if they prefer taking their medication in either tablet, capsule or liquid form.
If the medication your patient takes is available in different forms, ask them if they have a preference. If it is not available in different forms, let them know if they can crush tablets or open and dissolve capsules in water.
