Taking medication

If you have trouble managing your medication (such as remembering which pills to take and when) here are some handy tips that could help:

• Keep a diary or planner and tick of each dose as you take it
• Set your clock or mobile alarm to remind you
• Put your medication in a place that is part of your daily routine, such as, next to your breakfast things, on your dining table or eating tray

If you need further support:

Talk to your GP

Talk to your GP who can review your medicines and find other ways to help you such as:

• referring you to the district nurses and community health visitors who may review your needs and provide you with support
• provide other medicines such as capsules or liquid that are easier to take

Talk to your pharmacist

You can also talk to your pharmacist who can provide advice and suggest equipment to help you take your medication. For example:

• transferring your prescription into a dosette box which is marked with the days of the week and the times at which you should take your medication
• Your pharmacist might offer a collection and delivery service for prescriptions, if you can't do this yourself. 

Useful aids and equipment

You can buy a range of aids to help you take your medicines such as:

• dosette boxes with alarms or
• special containers that are easier to open

You can buy these from a pharmacist. 

Adult Social Care

If you're getting a care package that includes visits to your home, then we may be able to provide you with reminders if our visit coincides with your medication time.

If you are still unsure and need help in taking your medicines, applying creams, drops or lotions you should contact your GP, District Nurse or pharmacist for advice.