I Need A Medication Log Please Help Me

[tootie]

I have to go to my parents house today to help with my dad's medications. I will be setting up a 30 day supply of medications for him as he has been very confused and hasn't been taking his meds correctly. Does anyone know of a non confusing way to set up a 30 day supply so I don't have to go back weekly. If there are some ways I can do this and recycle something I would like that but any ideas would be great.

Another thing I need is some sort of medication log that I can print out and take with me so they can have a physical paper to look at and know exactly what he is suppose to be taking. Now I can type it in under word pad but would prefer a template that has lines and boxes in it so it can look a little more clearer. I have looked online and the ones that I am finding all require "Microsoft Office 2007". My DH is saying we don't have that and when I click on it to download it is saying my browser doesn't support it. If I can't get what I am looking for I would also settle for a template that just has boxes and lines that are blank.

Can anyone help me find one? I would so appreciate it. I have googled so much my head is killing me and I am getting frustrated. I want something simple and non complicated. I went with him to his DR yesterday so I have a list of exactly what he is taking so all I need is the template or some suggestions. I would so appreciate it. Thank you.

[warhorse46]

His pharmacy can print you out a log of his medications. Also if he is receiving Medicare he should be eligible for home health nurses who will monitor & set up his medications. Look into that possibility. You can use empty egg cartons as medication holders if you cannot buy one.

[Bottrell]

Here is a 31 day med dispenser. My mil has one similar to this.
As far as a med log I have no idea.
http://secure.scepterproducts.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=shopping.detail&prodid=1&pageid=68&parentid=1&parentpage=0

[Moondust]

Would a calendar template work for you?? If so...this may help..

http://www.digi-labs.net/default1.shtml?gclid=CO60wuvQkp8CFQ975Qod3i4FTA

I have one of those 30 day medicine holders...they can be costly..a crafting box would be much cheaper...guessing you could find one with at least 30 compartments in it.

[tootie]

His pharmacy can print you out a log of his medications. Also if he is receiving Medicare he should be eligible for home health nurses who will monitor & set up his medications. Look into that possibility. You can use empty egg cartons as medication holders if you cannot buy one.

That is a great idea on having the pharmacy print out a log of his meds. The only problem with that is he has some of his meds through an online deal called "Medco" and some through CVS. I am trying to get them away from "Medco". I don't like that system also it is more expensive on some things. I am trying to get them away from that so the confusion can be kept to a minimum. I really like the egg carton deal so I may look at that. I can help him with the meds so I don't feel a home health nurse is necessary at this point and time. Especially since I have some medical background. I should be able to do this. He used to be able to do his meds but we have had a time the past 2 weeks due to a new medication that thank God he is no longer taking.


Here is a 31 day med dispenser. My mil has one similar to this.
As far as a med log I have no idea.
http://secure.scepterproducts.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=shopping.detail&prodid=1&pageid=68&parentid=1&parentpage=0

I may check Walmart to see if they have something similar. Just not sure. He had a ton of sample bottles that were empty and was going to set up a 30 day supply that way but I thought that was just asking for confusion and trouble.

Moondust, I am not sure on the calendar but that is a good idea as well on the craft box hadn't thought about that!

[JennyM]

Here is a 31 day med dispenser. My mil has one similar to this.
As far as a med log I have no idea.
http://secure.scepterproducts.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=shopping.detail&prodid=1&pageid=68&parentid=1&parentpage=0

Those work well. My Mom had to take medicine at certain times of day so she used this. http://www.walgreens.com/store/catalog/Accessories/One-Day-At-A-Time-Weekly-Medication-Organizer-Tray/ID=prod1491332&navCount=0&navAction=push-product

I guess you could get 4 of them but my brother liked going once a week to make sure she was taking her meds and just to eyeball her to make sure she was ok. He just refilled it every Sunday when he went over there.

Did you see this medication record?

http://www.aarp.org/health/staying_healthy/prevention/my_personal_medication_record.html

Click on the PDF version if you don't have Word. You can also order one.

[KatieLady]

I use a 2 week dispenser...like this one

http://www.shopgetorganized.com/item/pill_dispenser-one_month/14271

Works really well for me. Mine has slots for am and pm pills. They have them at Walmart and most any pharmacy

[bearwds]

*************************************

Since folks are posting their favorite dispensers, I'll do mine. The issue with me was taking several naps a day instead of a nightly sleep. Easy to get confused on meds.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000J191FK/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

"7 day XXL Twice a Day Weekly Pillbox Organizer By Apex Health"

The price is cheap...$4.24.

It's simple, well built and even has Braille markings for limited sight.


bear

[JennyM]

Here's an easy form. http://www.seniorcarepharmacist.com/record/

[tootie]

Thank you so much to everyone! These are awesome ideas. I see on one of the medication forms that it states to keep with you at all times which is something I hadn't thought about. Example if they were to get in a vehicle accident stating health problems and drug allergies would be important to the people treating them if they were unable to communicate. I will use one of these. I called Walgreens and they have a 28 day pill holder for like $8 so I may run by there and see what it looks like. So I am off to get a shower and fill in one of these forms and get ready to go over to my parents house. Once again thank you soooo much for all your help. :thumbsup:

[Firehead11]

That is a great idea on having the pharmacy print out a log of his meds. The only problem with that is he has some of his meds through an online deal called "Medco" and some through CVS. I am trying to get them away from "Medco". I don't like that system also it is more expensive on some things. I am trying to get them away from that so the confusion can be kept to a minimum. I really like the egg carton deal so I may look at that. I can help him with the meds so I don't feel a home health nurse is necessary at this point and time. Especially since I have some medical background. I should be able to do this. He used to be able to do his meds but we have had a time the past 2 weeks due to a new medication that thank God he is no longer taking.






I may check Walmart to see if they have something similar. Just not sure. He had a ton of sample bottles that were empty and was going to set up a 30 day supply that way but I thought that was just asking for confusion and trouble.

Moondust, I am not sure on the calendar but that is a good idea as well on the craft box hadn't thought about that!

I have Medco and you have to compare which way is cheaper. Some of my medicines are cheaper at the drug store, a lot more of them are cheaper when getting the 90 day supply from medco.

[JennyM]

Thank you so much to everyone! These are awesome ideas. I see on one of the medication forms that it states to keep with you at all times which is something I hadn't thought about. Example if they were to get in a vehicle accident stating health problems and drug allergies would be important to the people treating them if they were unable to communicate. I will use one of these. I called Walgreens and they have a 28 day pill holder for like $8 so I may run by there and see what it looks like. So I am off to get a shower and fill in one of these forms and get ready to go over to my parents house. Once again thank you soooo much for all your help. :thumbsup:

Maybe you should get him a Medical ID bracelet. Talk to the pharmacist at Walgreen about it.

[mood*ring]

Just thought I would add that if anyone has meds to take at night and others to take during the day, we bought my aunt 2 little alarm clocks and set one for morning med time and one for night med time and kept the day time meds in the kitchen and the night meds in the bathroom and when she heard the alarm she took her meds. She no longer got confused as to whether she had taken them that day or not.

Sometimes a daily phone call telling them to take their meds while you are on the phone can avoid that did I take it yet confusion too.

[Noah]

Thank you so much to everyone! These are awesome ideas. I see on one of the medication forms that it states to keep with you at all times which is something I hadn't thought about. Example if they were to get in a vehicle accident stating health problems and drug allergies would be important to the people treating them if they were unable to communicate. I will use one of these. I called Walgreens and they have a 28 day pill holder for like $8 so I may run by there and see what it looks like. So I am off to get a shower and fill in one of these forms and get ready to go over to my parents house. Once again thank you soooo much for all your help. :thumbsup:

Get a medical bracelet - you can list all the meds on the back. That's what my husband and I both have.

Be careful when you buy a pill dispenser. If your dad takes pills more than once a day, you'll need a larger dispenser.

This is the one we use - it's enough for 7 days, with 4 compartments for each day. http://www.forgettingthepill.com/cgi-bin/ForgettingThePill/order.cgi?orderone++Organizers+1+357+1

[tootie]

Thanks so much for all the suggestions. Unfortunately there isn't a medical id bracelet big enough to list all his meds. He is just on too many. I stopped at CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. No one had any 30 day boxes in my area. I looked at the craft boxes and thought that was a good idea but since he takes his meds twice a day (am/pm) I was afraid that wouldn't work well. I ended up going with (2) 7 day holders that had am/pm slots. Not really what I wanted but I got the larger ones that would be easy for him to get out. He is set for 14 days.

I printed one of the lists above and filled it our by hand and made some copies. I am so tired and I have a stress headache as we got some snow this afternoon and it was a stressful drive home on top of dealing with the med stuff. At least I don't have to do that again for another 14 days. LOL. I wanted to say thanks for all the great ideas. I'll probably use the egg cartoon idea for DH's meds as I really like that reusable idea! :thumbsup:

[Amy S.]

Another thing that he might already have that will hold pills, is made to hold assorted screws and nails.

[BettyC]

Thanks so much for all the suggestions. Unfortunately there isn't a medical id bracelet big enough to list all his meds. He is just on too many. I stopped at CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. No one had any 30 day boxes in my area. I looked at the craft boxes and thought that was a good idea but since he takes his meds twice a day (am/pm) I was afraid that wouldn't work well. I ended up going with (2) 7 day holders that had am/pm slots. Not really what I wanted but I got the larger ones that would be easy for him to get out. He is set for 14 days.

I printed one of the lists above and filled it our by hand and made some copies. I am so tired and I have a stress headache as we got some snow this afternoon and it was a stressful drive home on top of dealing with the med stuff. At least I don't have to do that again for another 14 days. LOL. I wanted to say thanks for all the great ideas. I'll probably use the egg cartoon idea for DH's meds as I really like that reusable idea! :thumbsup:

My husband just picked up a two week one at the dollar store (for a dollar believe it or not!)

[tootie]

My husband just picked up a two week one at the dollar store (for a dollar believe it or not!)

Hmmmm. Maybe I need to go get 2 of those then he will have a month prepared. I may do that. Amy, that is a good idea about the screw/nail holder too. I like to recycle and use things.

[withay]

I just bought a pill container that had 4 slots per day and covered one week. I also got it at the Dollar store. Then I bought 4 of them I use that for the pain medications I take 4x a day. I also have one for each week that has 2 slots for the "regular" meds I take 2x a day, again at the Dollar Store. I sit down at the beginning of the month when I get my meds and fill all the slots. I had to do this because sometimes I was forgetting if I had taken the pain meds and was afraid I would accidently overdose myself. And having it broken down into weeks keeps it from being so overwhelming.

I just made up a list of all of my meds and directions and keep it on my computer. I did not use a form. I keep a copy in a leather folder (it used to hold a calendar) along with my insurance card, business cards of all of my Drs and basic medical information (surgeries, diseases). The folder is labeled "medical information". My parents and anyone who transports me also has a copy of the medications. It is also very helpful to take a copy to my Dr's appointments so they all know what I am taking

[Themis]

Thank you so much to everyone! These are awesome ideas. I see on one of the medication forms that it states to keep with you at all times which is something I hadn't thought about. Example if they were to get in a vehicle accident stating health problems and drug allergies would be important to the people treating them if they were unable to communicate. I will use one of these. I called Walgreens and they have a 28 day pill holder for like $8 so I may run by there and see what it looks like. So I am off to get a shower and fill in one of these forms and get ready to go over to my parents house. Once again thank you soooo much for all your help. :thumbsup:
Tootie, as for a medication form I set one up for a relative who takes 10 RX meds each day -- using Microsoft Word in portrait format. There are 3 doctors involved. Across the top I used the following headings:
1. Prescription Name (on 2nd line below I typed in the generic name)
2. mg Dose
3. No. / Time (example: 1X or 2X {on second line typed morn and/or nite})
4. Dr. Name (he has 3 doctors; 2 of which are specialists 40 miles away)
5. Reason (example: blood pressure, Diabetes II, Glaucoma)

At the very top of the page, typed his name, phone number, complete address on left side of page. Far right side typed the revised date plus the words "destroy previous copy." There is room at the bottom to type OTC drugs, each doctors' name and phone number, wife's name and phone number, and other nearest relative in event of a car accident where both he and wife are injured and unable to speak. Copies are carried in his wallet, her purse, vehicle glove box, on file at each doctors' office AND his file at the local hospital. Lastly in red is a warning he is allergic to morphine.

Each time his meds change for any reason, I do an update on my computer file, make and redistribute copies. Once it is set up it isn't that time consuming to revise.

I hope my notes are understandable and of help at getting started.

[JMO * Themis]

[bearwds]

************************************

I was told something several years ago.

One of the first places EMT folks looks for information if they are in your home, ready to transport you, is the kitchen refrig.

Living by yourself, there isn't always someone to give info.

I have a copy of meds, insurance card...and yes, a DNR directive.


bear

[JennyM]

************************************

I was told something several years ago.

One of the first places EMT folks looks for information if they are in your home, ready to transport you, is the kitchen refrig.

Living by yourself, there isn't always someone to give info.

I have a copy of meds, insurance card...and yes, a DNR directive.


bear

Yes, the fridge is where you are supposed to put your DNR. You should also have an ID bracelet or necklace that says that as well. They look first for a DNR ID on your person (so I've been told.)

[tootie]

More great ideas and another one that I hadn't thought of was putting stuff on the fridge. I will certainly do that for my parents. I didn't know that is the first place that EMT's look and it sounds sensible as well.

Withay, I had to go to my dad's DR appointment the other day with him just to find out what he was suppose to be taking. When I went to my parents the first time last week to try and figure out his meds my dad was so confused so when he was telling me that the DR had taken him off of this and off of that I didn't know if my dad was right. So I had decided then I was going to his DR appointment so I could be clear on what he was suppose to be taking. It was such a mess.

Themis my dad is certainly on more than 10 meds a day. So everything you listed is great. I *think* I have everything straightened out on his and my hope is that dad will get a little clearer than what he was 2 weeks ago. Poor dad was so confused he stopped taking his blood thinner. He has never done that and he knows how important that is but because of a new med he was trying out from another doctor he was so messed up. Then the DR who prescribed him the *messed up med* had the nerve to tell them that it shouldn't have interacted with his other meds. I wasn't at the appointment and I so wish I was because I would have given that DR a piece of my mind.

It may NOT have interacted with his other meds but he didn't need to be taking it like he was prescribed because it was TOO much for him and his aging mind. :cursing:

[warhorse46]

************************************

I was told something several years ago.

One of the first places EMT folks looks for information if they are in your home, ready to transport you, is the kitchen refrig.

Living by yourself, there isn't always someone to give info.

I have a copy of meds, insurance card...and yes, a DNR directive.


bear


Our fire dept gives out plastic containers to put your medication list, a list of your illnesses, a copy of your living will & dnr plus phone numbers for your contact people. These containers are clearly marked & are to be kept on or in the fridge (one container per person) so that EMS or police can easily find them.