What Makes it Difficult?
This common problem can happen when someone has a busy day, changes their routine, or simply forgets a dose.
Forgetfulness
Connecting your medication to something you already do every day—like brushing your teeth or eating breakfast—is one way to help you do this.
Remembering to take medication.
Where is the safest place to keep your medication when you are staying somewhere with other people?
In a secure place that other people cannot easily access, such as a locked medication box or cabinet.
Why is it important to take your medication the way your healthcare provider prescribed it?
It helps the medication work as intended and can help prevent symptoms from getting worse or coming back.
Missing medication because someone wakes up at different times, works different shifts, or has an unpredictable schedule is an example of this barrier.
Inconsistent routine
This feature on a cell phone can make a sound or display a message at the same time each day to remind you about medication.
Alarm or reminder
True or false: You should leave medication in a hot environment for several hours.
Heat can damage some medications. Keep medications at the temperature listed on the label.
What should you do if you forget to take a dose?
Check the medication instructions or ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider what to do. Don't automatically take extra medication unless you are specifically told to.
Name three ways to remember to take medications.
1. Phone Alarm
2. Pill organizer
3. Calander
4. Medication app
5. Placing them in a known location (Next to coffee pot or near toothbrush)
When staying in different places, how can you make it easier to find when it's time to take a dose.
keeping medication in one consistent, safe location
- Certain compartment of bag or purse.
What should you do if someone asks to use your prescription medication?
Do not share it. This would deplete your supply and lead to medication non-adherence. Prescription medications are prescribed for the person named on the label.
Name two reasons someone might have trouble taking medication regularly, and name one person or resource who could help.
Possible barriers include forgetting, side effects, transportation problems, medication being lost or stolen, difficulty getting refills, or changes in housing. Possible supports include a pharmacist, doctor, nurse, case manager, peer support person, or trusted staff member.
How does substance use interfere with medication adherence?
Substance use causes altered mental status, resulting in forgetting to take medications and medication non-adherence.
- Altered sleep schedule
-misplacing pills
-Medications are not as effective when taking substances
-Altered thought process
What community support is available to assist with medication adherence.
A case manager, shelter staff member, ACT team member, or trusted person.
What should you do if your medication is lost or stolen?
Contact your pharmacy, doctor, or healthcare team as soon as possible. Don't take someone else's medication to replace it.
Why is it important to know the name and purpose of the medications you take?
Knowing your medications can help you take them correctly, recognize problems, and communicate with healthcare providers.
I am homeless and need to remember to take my pills. What are three barriers to taking medications or staying on medications?
1. Pills may be lost or stolen
2. Difficult to make it to appointments due to lack of transportation or means to get there.
3. Not remembering due to no established routine.
4. Substance use interfering with adherence.
If you move between shelters, friends' homes, or other locations, what is a way to remember medications.
- Alarm
-Keeping medications at a trusted persons house that you visit regularly or have daily contact with.
Before taking a medication, what should you check to make sure you have the right medicine?
Check the name on the label, medication name, dose, and directions.
You accidentally take someone else's medication. What should you do?
Get help right away by contacting a healthcare professional, pharmacist, or Poison Control. Poison Control can be reached at 1-800-222-1222. If you have severe symptoms or an emergency, call 911.