Be concerned if Mom or Dad is erratic in taking even the right and most effective combination of drugs. Not taking one drug within the regimen may distort the balance and effectiveness of the combined prescription.
You may have to align the drug bottles and packages in a row for each of the daily dosing times. Or, consider buying a multi-hole plastic tray into which you can place each pill appropriately for the next dosing time. Do not put all of the pertinent pills in one bag because negative interaction of the doses may start while in the plastic bag.
If your Mom or Dad has problems opening the bottles or packages, request "easy opening" bottles from the pharmacist.
Concern for Polypharmacy by Medical Professionals
Government health programs are actively urging medical societies and their members to question patients regarding the drugs they are taking. Some hospitals around the nation require a total identification of all medications taken by a patient to be completed and analyzed before admission, and that all prescriptions be written by one physician and fulfilled at a single pharmacy.
Call to Action
Polypharmacy may be the biggest threat to the quality of health and life, and even life itself, for your Mom or Dad.
As caregiver, you can be the team leader in correcting and preventing polypharmacy. Your concern and action may be one of your greatest gifts ever to Mom or Dad.