Day of Mantel Care
Attention to family caregivers who manage medication
Today is the Day of Family Care. A day to remember everyone who cares for another person. Many family caregivers also help manage medications - a task that is important, but sometimes complicated. The pharmacy is happy to help you with that.
The Role of Pharmacy
In pharmacy, we know how complex medication management can be. Especially if someone is taking multiple medications or is forgetful. We help informal caregivers to keep an overview, reduce risks and alleviate care.
We check whether medications go well together, explain how to use them and can help with tools such as a medication roll or a reorder service. So together we ensure that the right medicines are taken, at the right time.
More information can be found at Apotheek.nl and KNMP.nl.
Manage medication: how to keep an overview?
According to Thuisarts.nl it is important to have a clear medication overview. That helps with doctor visits or hospital admissions.
You can always request a current overview from us. This lists all the medications that someone is taking, including dosage and time of day.
Paste the summary on the refrigerator, for example, or keep it in the medicine cabinet. This way everyone quickly knows what is being used.
Practical tips for family caregivers
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Make a regular rhythm. Link the intake time to daily habits, such as after breakfast or before bed.
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Please use a medication roll (baxter roll) in consultation with us. Medications are packed in this by day and time. This provides clarity and prevents mistakes.
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Or use the automatic repeat service. The pharmacy (in consultation with the family doctor) requests repeat prescriptions automatically. That way, as a caregiver, you don't have to keep arranging new medications.
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Request an explanation from the pharmacy. We are happy to explain how and when to use medications. We can also help with side effects or if swallowing is difficult.
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Check shelf life and storage temperature. Some medications should be kept refrigerated.
More helpful tips can be read at Thuisarts.nl - Mantelzorg en medicijnen and in the NHG standard Polypharmacy in the Elderly, which provides practical guidelines for safe medication use.
Free or prescription
Some remedies are freely available in pharmacies, such as paracetamol, vitamins or nasal sprays.
Other medications, such as blood pressure-lowering drugs, insulin or antibiotics, are available only with a prescription from your doctor.
Don't use over-the-counter remedies lightly either. Always seek advice from the pharmacy to prevent them from affecting other medications.
Appreciation for family caregivers
Mantle care is valuable, but it can also be hard. By using tools such as a medicine roll, app or repeat service, you can save time and worry.
We appreciate what you do and are happy to think with you, for practical questions or just for a listening ear!
Questions?
Please feel free to ask. We're happy to help.
