Managing Your Loved One's Medications

Version: 0.1.1 | Last Updated: 2026-01-07

Your Daily Role

As a caregiver, you're not replacing your loved one's autonomy — you're supporting it. The goal is to help them stay healthy while preserving their dignity and independence.

Daily Check-In Routine

Morning Review (5 minutes)

Open your CareForMeds dashboard
Check overnight — were any doses missed?
Review today's schedule — what's coming up?
Note any alerts that need attention

Evening Review (5 minutes)

Check today's adherence — were all doses logged?
Review tomorrow's schedule
Check inventory — any refills needed soon?
Add any notes from today

Adding Medications

When your loved one gets a new prescription:

If You're With Them

Use Scan Label to photograph the prescription bottle
Review the extracted information together
Confirm dosing schedule
Set up appropriate reminders

If You're Remote

Ask them to take a photo and send it to you
Add the medication to their profile
Call to confirm the schedule together
Or guide them through adding it themselves via video call

Helping with Doses

When You're Present

The Five Rights of medication administration:

✅ Right person — Confirm it's their medication
✅ Right medication — Check the label
✅ Right dose — Verify the amount
✅ Right time — Check the schedule
✅ Right route — Oral, topical, etc.

Process:

Prepare the medication
Have them take it (don't just leave pills)
Watch them swallow/apply it
Log the dose immediately in CareForMeds

When You're Remote

You can still help:

Call at scheduled dose times as a reminder
Video call to "take medications together"
Check the app afterward to confirm logging
Follow up if a dose appears missed

Handling Resistance

Sometimes loved ones resist help. Here's how to navigate:

"I don't need help"

Acknowledge their independence: "I know you've been doing this a long time"
Focus on partnership: "I just want to help where I can"
Start small: "Can I just set up reminders for you?"

"I already took it"

Don't argue or accuse
Check CareForMeds together: "Let's look at the log"
Consider a pill organizer for visible tracking
If memory is a concern, discuss with their doctor

"I don't want technology"

Offer to manage it for them
Show them just the simple parts (checkmark = done)
Emphasize it helps you worry less

Managing Multiple Medications

Simplify When Possible

Ask the doctor if medications can be combined
Request once-daily versions when available
Align timing (all morning meds together)
Use "med sync" at the pharmacy

Use Physical Tools

Pill organizers with days/times
Medication boxes with alarms
CareForMeds + physical organizer = best of both

Create a Medication Sheet

Print a simple sheet for the fridge:

List of all medications
What each is for
When to take each
Special instructions

Coordinating Doctor Visits

Before the Appointment

Export the medication list from CareForMeds
Print adherence reports for the past month
Note any concerns or side effects
List questions to ask

At the Appointment

Share the printed reports
Discuss any adherence challenges
Ask about simplifying the regimen
Clarify any confusing instructions

After the Appointment

Update CareForMeds with any changes
Adjust schedules as prescribed
Add new medications if prescribed
Note the next appointment date

Managing Refills

Proactive Approach

Set refill thresholds for 7-14 days supply
Request refills when alerts appear
Update inventory when picked up

Pharmacy Coordination

Use one pharmacy when possible
Enroll in auto-refill programs
Consider mail-order for maintenance medications
Ask about medication synchronization

When Concerns Arise

Side Effects

Document in CareForMeds notes
Track when they started
Report to the doctor
Don't stop medications without medical advice

Memory Issues

Use pill organizers
Set up multiple reminder methods
Consider more frequent check-ins
Discuss with doctor if worsening

Non-Adherence Patterns

Look for patterns (time of day, specific meds)
Have a compassionate conversation
Problem-solve together
Involve healthcare provider if needed

Taking Care of Yourself

Caregiving is hard. Remember:

You can't pour from an empty cup
It's okay to ask for help
Consider caregiver support groups
Take breaks when you can