As the years go by, we see how our parents require more medication and care. Our intention is always to prolong and improve your quality of life. However, the complexity of the treatment can be an impediment.

This fact varies depending on the socio-economic situation of the family, as well as the treatment or illnesses faced.

Most popular methods to measure adherence:

Finding out if a person has taken their medication can be difficult. We propose three strategies that usually work very well, depending on the person's degree of dependency:

    1. Questionnaire
    2. Blister tracking
    3. Remote monitoring devices.

1. Talk to him directly

  • From the clinical point of view there are a large number of questionnaires. It is common to do them in doctor's offices to keep track, but at home they could be heavy and uncomfortable to do.

At IMA we wanted to make a simplified version that can be carried out at home. In it, we suggest you ask the following questions:

What do you think of your medication?

The first round revolves around the relationship that the person establishes with the treatment, their behavior, and the knowledge they have regarding the disease.

    • Do you think the advantages of your medication outweigh the disadvantages?
    • Do you take medication because you believe it is the right thing to do, or because you feel obligated?
    • Do you think you should only take medication when you see symptoms?
    • Do you feel that medication may be preventing other diseases?

Suspicions or lack of information regarding your condition can be a great indication that we should better monitor your medication.

Do you comply with the treatment?

The second round of questions asks about the methods your family member uses, and whether they actually take the medication. You should keep in mind that if he has memory problems or refuses to follow treatment, he may lie and his answers may not be valid.

    • Have you ever forgotten to take your medication?
    • Is it easy to take the medication? Or is it a difficulty for you?
    • How often do you decide not to take your medication?
    • Do you need me to call you or set alarms to remind you?

Although these questions do not represent clear evidence, they can help us understand how our father or mother feels about medication. Depending on the results, we will be able to talk to them and look for methods of therapeutic adherence.

2. Pill count and other evidence

On many occasions, a family member must organize the medication in a weekly blister pack, and leave it ready so that the patient does not have to do it alone.

Remember that there is also a preparation service in pharmacies. This method (SPD) will make your work easier and you will have the guarantee and professionalism of a pharmacist. In addition, you will save time and you will not be afraid of making a mistake.

In any case, even if the elderly or dependent person receives the medication correctly, there are the following risks:

    • Forget to take your medication
    • Let him do it at odd hours
    • Don't remember if you've taken it, and overmedicate when taking it again.

How to avoid it?

When you prepare the medication again, check to see if there are any untaken pills left. Check that there are no original boxes where the medication came, and even check the trash if you see it pertinent.  

Additionally, we recommend you follow these tips:

    • Accompany your family member to the pharmacy to withdraw normal medication or SPDs. This way you will ensure that you have not forgotten to pick it up. 

    • Hire a preparation service that also delivers the blister packsalready prepared at the door of the house, as IMA does. 

3. Success is in cooperation

Remember that, although there are various tools with the purpose of helping the caregiver and the polymedicated person, effectiveness is not assured. However, it will be easier when both parties collaborate to achieve it.

IMA Health puts its organization and preparation services at your disposal, facilitating the independence of the polymedicated person, and helping them adhere to treatment.

4. Discover the next steps in the free guide

If you want to know more strategies to know if a person has taken their medication correctly, request the free guide. In it, you can find 5 ways to know if your family members have really taken the medication:


Disclaimer: At IMA we offer advice and information about our products. Consult with an expert before making any decision that may affect your health.