An elderly parent's medication: how to organise when several people are involved

When a parent grows older or falls ill, their medication often becomes the business of several people: a son in the morning, a daughter at weekends, a home carer during the week, a nurse for some treatments. Each comes at a different time, and nobody sees everyone.

The result: the same questions over and over. Did she take her tablets this morning? Who saw the doctor last time? What did he say? Here are a few simple guidelines so that information flows, and everyone can act with confidence.

1. One shared log for everyone

The most important thing is that everyone looks in the same place. A notebook left at your parent's home works, as long as everyone fills it in at every visit. But it is no help to the relative who calls from far away for news.

2. Write down every dose, with the time

At every visit, write down what was given and when. That is what tells the next person whether to give the next dose or not, and avoids both missed and double doses.

3. Keep the instructions next to the doses

"Take with food", "do not crush", "check blood pressure": the instructions from the doctor or pharmacist must be visible to everyone who gives the medicine, not only to the person who was at the appointment.

4. Prepare medical appointments together

Before an appointment, ask the others what they have noticed: tiredness, a fall, a side effect, a question to ask. Afterwards, share what the doctor said. Whoever goes with your parent that day then speaks for everyone.

5. Prepare for an emergency before it happens

A fall, a dizzy spell, a hospital stay: in an emergency, paramedics need to know very quickly which medicines your parent takes, what they are allergic to and who to call. If your parent lives alone, make sure this information is easy to find, on them or at home.

6. Share the load, not just the tasks

Caring for a loved one is also a mental load: always wondering whether everything has been done. When information is shared, everyone can breathe a little, knowing the others see the same thing. Don't hesitate to reach out to a carers' association: you are not alone.