Keeping tabs on medications–New recorders now available

In an effort to help seniors and other regular medication users keep better track of their pills, Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. here has developed new medication recorders which are available free across the district starting this month.
The free medication recorder is a business card-sized blue folder people can use to keep track of their medications—both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins, supplements, aspirin, etc.
It has lots of space for people to list their medication names and strengths, and how often they take them.
It also includes space for people to list any drug allergies they have and any medical conditions they are being treated for.
The purpose of the medication record is to help people keep track of their medications given it can be difficult to remember all the names and how often they should be taking them.
It keeps all this information in one, convenient location, Grace Silander, patient safety and risk management co-ordinator for Riverside, said last week.
Since many people take multiple medications, the medication recorder helps avoid the risk of mixing them up—something which could have very serious consequences.
Those who use a medication recorder are encouraged to keep it current—and update it whenever they start, stop, or otherwise change their medications, Silander stressed.
The recorder also gives people’s doctors and pharmacists a better idea of their medical histories, and help them review medications for potential interactions that could affect their health.
This information also could be crucial in helping paramedics and emergency nurses tend to a patient in an emergency.
People are encouraged to have the recorders with them at all times, whether they’re going to a medical appointment, getting medication from their pharmacist, or in case of an emergency.
“It will speak for you if you’re not able to speak. That’s the main reason why we were looking for something this small,” explained Silander.
“There has been other items [to record medications] but they’re either in the fridge at home or on top of the fridge,” she noted. “There’s been a lot of endeavours to get this out there.
“Everyone knows it’s needed—the only thing is we didn’t seem able to come up with something people could carry with them all the time,” Silander added. “We just wanted something consistent people could look for.
“I hope it will work. We’re very optimistic it will.”
Silander said the idea for the wallet-sized medication recorders evolved after Riverside pharmacist Dave Evans, who’s worked closely with the pharmacist at International Falls hospital, where they have similarly wallet-sized medication recorders.
“Thanks to Dave. He did the spearheading for this,” she remarked.
While they just came out this month, Silander said the medication recorders have been well-received so far. They are available at hospitals, clinics, dentist offices, First Nation health access centres, and pharmacies across Rainy River District.
“Everybody has been wonderful in getting them out,” Silander enthused, adding the medication recorders will be promoted heavily in the near future at events such as the chronic disease symposium coming up this Saturday (March 29) at the Memorial Sports Centre.
Those wanting more information about the new medication recorder should ask their pharmacist for assistance.