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Tanks for putting my own frustrations into words. Since I have a few clients to take care of its an almost daily thing that a caregiver calls me on a medication related subject. That can be anything from the client refuses to take the meds to the meds are messed up or more serious: the client passed out due to low bloodsugar or is confused, etc.
We have med sheets for our clients which include the name of the med, generic name, start date, what the med is for, dosage, etc and side effects. Each time a new medication is added, I get on the internet and research possible side effects, warning signs of allergic reactions or overdose, and medication interactions or food interactions. Then pass on the info to the caregiver so they can watch out and adjust their menu accordingly. I have learned not to trust doctors with meds and not to rely on pharmacies to watch for medication interactions. I have learned and teach my caregivers to make a pain in the b... of themselves when something needs to get done. And I am in the process of learning which home health agencies and hospices work well and fast. And I have learned to ask a lot of questions of anyone. Give me a few more years and I will be able to tell you off the top of my head about the commonly used meds in geriatrics.

ahhh yes, the old med game!!!

It was difficult when I first took over Dad's. For one thing, his was in his head... he knew everything and nothing was clear for anyone else!!! Over a period of a year... I got his meds sorted by time of day in the cab... then got his meds due on the same day of the month at the pharmacy... made a computerized list... can be printed large for cabinet door or small wallet size for his pocket. I have become very creative and structured... LOL!!!

I use a pharmacy that is very good with "issues" (oops, we forgot to order, can you provide a couple of days) and also delivers in an emergency. By the way, the pharmacy is a chain store pharmacy!!! LOL!!!

I haven't had to deal with anyone else having to be responsible... but I am sure it won't be a catastrophe... it's all in black and white... and Dad's pretty oral when it comes to those pills!!!

I've been fortunate with Dad's meds. The pharmacy is 16 miles away and they will mail his meds to us and bill us. Now that he's in the hospice program their nurses bring some of the meds and the rest we order. The main problem is keeping the meds under watch or Dad will try and medicate himself. Again with his controling things. Salt

I discovered, quite by accident many years ago, to make the transition from trouble with taking meds to, "Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, in the most delightful way!" Applesauce has become my preferred choice of transit for all pills (crushed) and capsules. What used to be a trial by fire has transitioned into a good snack time for my patient without any resistance or complaint. Applesauce also serves as a good boost for much needed fiber in an elderly person's daily requirement. All I know for sure, is that I no longer have to brace myself for the dreaded medications' hour; now it's a 'piece of cake.' Namaste, D22007.

Because my husband's mother is in a memory care assisted living facility all of her medications are handled by the staff. We live in Vancouver WA and the pharmacy that the assisted living facility uses (Care Health Solutions) individualizes the medications. They come in blister packs of thirty day supplies for each of the medications. The staff then dispenses from the packs and can tell if a medication has been missed.
I used to work in a drug store and the pharmacists could and would make up these blister packs for the customers who needed them.
Check with your pharmacy to see if they offer this service. It is not space efficient though. And some pharmacies will also split pills for you.
Blessings to you...hope this helps.

Just when I think I have them under control they change! Our local Walgreens has improved their customer service in the past few years and now are pretty helpful when I have questions. I cut the big ones in half but mom takes her meds without a fight which isn't true of most things she does!