Medication Safety Checklist for Older Adults
Medications are critical to the health and safety of most older adults. With many seniors living with chronic illnesses longer than ever, the number of medications seniors take has sky rocketed, with many taking over 3 medications a day.
Whether you're taking too much, too little, the wrong combination or simply the wrong medication, the results can be dangerous. It's important to review and discuss your medications with your doctor, at least annually to ensure your medications remain needed, appropriate and safe.
Download printable checklist here.
Download printable checklistMedication Checklist
Medication Checklist| Medication Name | Dosage | Times / Frequency | How is Medication Taken | Why is Medication Taken | How is Medication Stored |
| Over the Counter Medications (e.g. Advil, Tylenol, Aleve, Motrin, Claritin, Allegra, Robitussin, Dristan, etc...) | |||||
| Supplements (e.g. vitamin B6, vitamin A, garlic, ginger, ginseng, echinacea, John's wort, etc...) | |||||
| Medications with Side Effects | |||||
| Medication | Side Effect(s) You Feel | ||||
| 1. | |||||
| 2. | |||||
| 3. | |||||
| The medication checklist should be reviewed with your doctor annually, any time a new medication is prescribed or a new symptom or discomfort emerges. | |||||
If side effects like dizziness or low blood pressure are a concern, a medical alert system for seniors can be a simple backup plan for “what if” moments — especially when someone is home alone.
Consult With Your Doctor
Consult With Your Doctor Bring a "brown bag" of all your medications & supplements in their original bottles to your doctor.
Ask why you're taking each medication and if it's still required.
Let your doctor know if you're having trouble managing your medications.
Let your doctor know if you're having any side effects from your medications.
Let your doctor know if you're having trouble affording your medications.
Let your doctor know if you're feeling dependent (addicted) to any medications.
Let your doctor know if you're having trouble filling your prescriptions.
Medication Safety Review
Medication Safety Review Keep a list of all the prescription and non-prescription medications (fill out the list above).
Are any of the medications you're currently taking on the updated Beer's List (check here)?
Are you taking any medications with dangerous interactions (check this site, we found it easy to use)?
Notify your primary caregiver of any new medications prescribed.
When you get a new prescription filled, ask the pharmacist to review all your medications.
Check to ensure the drug, dosage & frequency on bottles match your doctor's original prescription.
Taking Medications at Home
Taking Medications at Home Keep a list of all medications in an easy to find location for caregivers & emergency responders.
Leave a list of all the prescription and non-prescription medications you're taking with a family member.
Use a pill box, pill pack, or medication dispenser to ensure your taking medications properly.
Use medication reminders to ensure you take your medications when you're supposed to.
Are You High Risk for Medication Issues?
As we age, certain factors can make taking medications more dangerous. If you answer yes to these questions, you should consult with a doctor, caregiver, pharmacist or family member to determine if and how you can receive help taking your medications:
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