Management of Expectations and adaptation to change

Adapting daily routines and increasing independence with medication-taking  

Infographic of a man in a wheelchair with bubbles branching off of him describing how best to adapt a daily routing to increase medication adherence: place medication in accessible containers, place medication in accessible locations, set up medication reminders, set up medication delivery right to your home.

If usual support for medication-taking is not available (e.g. support persons, tools), there are some strategies for increasing independence or adapting daily routines:

  • Place medications in accessible containers:
    • For example, bottles that have non-childproof lids. Child-resistant lids require a certain level of strength and dexterity The ability to use one’s hands or body with skill and ease. , which may make them difficult for some individuals to open
    • Note: If medications are being stored in non-childproof lids, it is important to store them in a secure location out of reach from children and pets
    • Larger containers can sometimes make it easier to hold and open, you may also consider using a grip
    • Bottles with big print medication labels if vision is impaired
  • Place medications in accessible locations:
    • For example, low tables that are within reach
    • Keep medications in locations based on when the medication is taken (e.g. place by the bed if the medication is taken at night)
  • Set-up medication reminders:
    • For example, set up medication alarms
    • Medication reminder calls (e.g. Connex Ontario, CANES Community Care, ComForCare, Bayshore HealthCare)
    • Using phone apps/assistive technology
    • Automatic pill dispensers
    • For more details, see Module 5: Organizational and reminder strategies
  • Set up medication delivery to your home:
    • Most pharmacies offer home delivery services
    • Home delivery services are when your pharmacy delivers your medication to your home (some pharmacies offer same-day or next day delivery)
    • For more details, see Module 7: Obtaining medications from the pharmacy

References

National Health Service. (2020, May). Guidance on interventions to improve medication https://www.herefordshireandworcestershireccg.nhs.uk/about-us/publications/medicines-and-pharmacy/general-prescribing-resources/patient-resources/391-interventions-to-improve-adherence-patient-outcomes-final/file

Note: Some of the information included above is also based on lived experiences