Create a medication tracking system.

Why and how to create a medication tracking system for someone in declining health

It's all too common among seniors to forget to take medicines or take them at the wrong times, which can lead to falls, depression, confusion, or other dangerous side effects. Try:

• A days-of-the-week pillbox. If medications are taken mornings and evenings, use separate boxes labeled a.m. and p.m.
• An electronic pill dispenser; some use lights and voice reminders.
• A wristwatch that can be set to beep at preset times.

You can find medication-tracking products at medical supply stores, many drugstores, or online by searching using the keywords automatic pill dispensers.

Monitor medicine taking closely. If you notice skipped pills, your parent probably can't remember what the prompt is for. Or he may forget some health concerns and think the medication is no longer needed. If that's the case, someone will need to remind him in person each time to make sure drugs are taken.

If your parent is struggling to take all his medication, ask his doctor if the medication regimen can be simplified to address this concern. (It often can.)