Caring for an aging loved one can be a full-time role for the caregiver. One concern for adult children is managing their prescriptions. As your parents age, they may develop chronic health conditions that require a variety of medications. It can be difficult for caregivers to accurately track their dosages and schedule without organizational tools.
Whether you prefer smartphone apps or a paper journal, begin by gathering your aging loved one’s information in a centralized space. It will help simplify the process and create quicker access to their health information.
Using Technology to Organize an Indiana Senior’s Health Information
There are a variety of caregiving apps on the market that can help you seamlessly organize and share an older adult’s health information with family members. Providing quick and easy access to this information in the event of an emergency is important.
Here are a few to consider:
- CareZone: This application is available on android and Apple devices, along with the web. It keeps track of a senior’s medications and important contacts, while also giving caregivers the option to create a journal, to-do list and calendar.
- Balance: Created by the National Alzheimer Center, Balance allows caregivers to track behaviors and share with the senior’s physicians in real-time. It also provides tips for adult children and gives users access to the latest Alzheimer’s research.
- Evernote: This app is filled with options for organizing health information and photos to share among caregivers. It can be used to create notes, lists, and voice memos and is available on all devices.
- RX Personal Caregiver: Personal Caregiver is an iPhone and iPad app that gives families a tool to manage their senior loved one’s prescriptions. It’s has a free version and two paid options with more comprehensive, premium features. Seniors can also install this app on their device to receive medication alerts and track their prescription history.
Creating a Medical File for a Senior
For caregivers that prefer a more old-fashioned method, you can use journals and planners to manage your senior loved one’s health needs.
- Use a journal to list the senior’s symptoms and keep track of changes. Keep the notebook in a safe location that is easily accessible for all caregivers in case of an emergency. Be sure to include dates.
- Create a portable medication list and update it as needed. Make a copy for each family member involved in the senior’s care. When the older adult goes to an appointment or is admitted into the hospital, bring this list.
- Purchase an extender file to organize medical records and paperwork for easy access.
- Manage the senior’s doctor and therapy appointments with a planner for the family caregivers. If the older adult needs transportation, use this planner to schedule who will take them to each appointment.
If you want to stay up-to-date with tips for Indiana caregivers, you can read more at Five Star Senior Living’s Resource Blog.