If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, you’re aware that it is crucial to take medications properly. But how can you make managing heart disease medication for seniors easier? Here are a few helpful recommendations from Heaven at Home Senior Care to help you get the most from those meds:
- Be aware of what medicines you’re taking. Learn their brand and generic names and make sure you understand what each one does. Thoroughly read the patient information so you’re familiar with potential side effects.
- Take your medicine at the same time each day. When you work together with Heaven at Home Senior Care, your caregiver can help remind you when it’s time to take your dose. Don’t stop or alter any medication without speaking to your doctor first.
- List out all your medications. Include the daily dose of each one. Maintain a copy at home and one in your purse or wallet.
- If you’re having difficulty covering the cost for your medications, ask the doctor for advice. Don’t skimp on dosages to try to save money. Doing this could be harmful to your health.
- Speak with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter meds or herbal remedies. Some may exacerbate heart failure symptoms. These include antihistamines (like Benadryl), antacids and NSAIDS (like Motrin or Advil).
- An essential part of managing heart disease medication is refilling your prescriptions prior to running out of medicine. If you have trouble getting to the pharmacy, a home care companion can assist you with picking up the medication.
- Take your medications with you whenever you travel and continue to take them on your normal routine. If you’ll be away from home for a long time, take an extra week’s supply. Bring a copy of your prescriptions with you in the event that you need a refill.
- At times, ACE inhibitors may cause you to cough. If you’re coughing too much and are not able to sleep or take care of your daily activities, call the doctor.
- If you take diuretics (often called water pills), you’ll most likely have to go to the restroom more frequently. If you’re told to take one dose of a diuretic every day, take it in the morning. If you take two doses, be sure to take the second dose by late afternoon to avoid extra trips to the bathroom overnight.
- Watch for warning signs of dehydration when taking diuretics. These might include intense thirst, dry mouth, darker-colored urine or less urine output, constipation and dizziness. If any of these symptoms occur, consult your doctor prior to making any changes to medication or fluid intake.
Professional caregivers from Heaven at Home Senior Care can make life with heart disease easier to manage. Our experts in senior care in Denton, TX and surrounding areas can provide support with day-to-day activities, prepare healthy meals, offer medication reminders and take you to doctors’ appointments and the pharmacy. Contact us at (940)-380-0500 to learn more about our home care services.