Wait…has Mom been taking her new medicine this week?
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.
