Taking medications according to a physician’s or other authorized prescriber’s instructions is an important part of managing health at home. However, complicated schedules, memory changes, multiple prescriptions and recent medication changes can make it difficult for an older adult to maintain a consistent routine.
Horizon Care Services provides personalized medication reminders for seniors throughout Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties. Depending on the client’s assessment and care plan, support may include scheduled caregiver reminders, assistance maintaining an established routine and medication-related services from an appropriately licensed nurse.
Medication reminders and permitted assistance do not replace prescribing, pharmacy consultation, medical evaluation or emergency care.
Medication adherence means taking medication according to the instructions provided by an authorized healthcare professional. This includes taking the correct medication, in the prescribed amount, at the appropriate time and for the recommended duration.
An older adult may have difficulty following a medication schedule because of:
According to the FDA, skipping doses, stopping medication without medical guidance or taking an incorrect amount can have serious consequences. Older adults may face additional risks because they are more likely to take multiple prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
The exact services provided depend on the client’s needs, abilities, assessment, written instructions and individualized care plan.
A caregiver can remind the client that it is time to take a regularly scheduled medication according to the established routine.
Reminders may be incorporated into:
A reminder encourages the client to follow the prescribed schedule but does not involve changing the medication, dosage or instructions.
Consistency can make a complicated medication schedule easier to follow. Depending on the care plan, a caregiver may help the client:
Caregivers do not determine whether a missed medication should be taken later or whether the next dose should be changed. Those questions must be directed to the client’s pharmacist, physician or other authorized prescriber.
Some clients may be capable of taking their own medications but require limited assistance. When legally permitted, properly authorized and included in the care plan, a qualified care professional may assist with self-administration of routine medication.
Depending on the circumstances, permitted assistance may include:
Florida law establishes specific requirements and limitations for assistance with self-administration of medication. Required training, documented authorization, informed consent and an appropriate care plan may apply.
Assistance with self-administration is not the same as independently selecting, prescribing or changing medication.
When nursing services are requested, available and appropriately authorized, a licensed nurse may provide medication-related support within the nurse’s professional scope and the client’s plan of care.
Depending on the authorized service, nursing support may include:
The availability of nursing services depends on the client’s assessment, medical orders when required, requested schedule and current staffing.
The transition home after hospitalization, an emergency room visit or rehabilitation stay can be especially confusing. New prescriptions may have been added, previous medications may have been discontinued and dosages may have changed.
Before the client returns home, the family should request a current medication list and clear written instructions from the discharging healthcare provider.
A physician, pharmacist, nurse or another qualified healthcare professional should resolve questions such as:
Medication reconciliation is a clinical process and should be completed by qualified healthcare professionals. A private-duty caregiver can then provide reminders based on the confirmed written schedule.
Horizon Care Services also offers post-emergency-room care at home for clients who need additional everyday assistance after returning home.
Memory loss can make medication routines particularly challenging. Someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia may forget a dose, repeat a dose or become confused by unfamiliar instructions.
Depending on the individual’s abilities and care plan, support may include:
A reminder alone may not be appropriate for someone who cannot safely self-administer medication. The client’s healthcare provider and care team should determine the appropriate level of supervision or clinical assistance.
Unless a service is assigned to an appropriately licensed or qualified professional and authorized in the client’s care plan, caregivers do not:
Questions about prescriptions, interactions, missed doses, side effects or medication changes should be directed to the client’s pharmacist, physician or other authorized healthcare professional.
Clients and families should obtain written instructions explaining whom to contact if a medication concern arises.
Prompt professional guidance may be needed if:
Call 911 when there are signs of a medical emergency. For suspected poisoning or an accidental medication overdose in the United States, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or use its online guidance.
Before services begin, Horizon Care Services reviews the client’s routines, abilities, requested schedule and support needs.
Families should provide:
The care arrangement can be reviewed when the client returns from the hospital, receives a new prescription or experiences a meaningful change in condition.
Learn more about medication management for seniors and the practical tools families can use to support safer routines.
Horizon Care Services provides medication reminders and personalized in-home care services in communities including:
Services are available throughout Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties. Availability depends on the client’s location, assessment, requested schedule, care plan and caregiver or nurse availability.
If someone you love is having difficulty maintaining a medication routine, Horizon Care Services can help you explore an appropriate level of assistance.
Call 561-776-7757 (toll-free 877-227-3890) or schedule a consultation to discuss medication reminders, permitted assistance with self-administration and available nursing support.
Horizon Care Services provides private-duty home care throughout Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties. NR# 30211200 | HHA# 299994406
This page provides general information and is not medical advice. Always consult a pharmacist, physician or another qualified healthcare professional about medication instructions, interactions, side effects, missed doses and changes in condition.
Kindly take a moment to complete the form and a member of our team will reach out to you as soon as possible.
No long-term contract · No membership fees · Cancel anytime
If you're currently experiencing an emergency situation, it would be best to call 911.
Kindly take a moment to complete the form and a member of our team will reach out to you as soon as possible.
No long-term contract · No membership fees · Cancel anytime
If you're currently experiencing an emergency situation, it would be best to call 911.
