Keep one up-to-date medicine list
The US National Institute on Aging suggests a list with each medicine or supplement, what it’s for, the dose, when it’s taken, when it started and who prescribed it, plus any allergies. Share it with every doctor and pharmacist, and keep a copy with your parent.
One pharmacy, and refills before they run out
Filling every prescription at one pharmacy lets the pharmacist see the whole picture; if that isn’t possible, give each pharmacy the list. Get to know the pharmacist, and order refills up to a week before a medicine runs out. Some pharmacies deliver.
Reminders that reach them
Phone alarms, a call at dose times and weekly pill organisers all help, though the NHS notes that pill organisers don’t suit every medicine, so ask the pharmacist. AlongWell can send each dose to your parent’s WhatsApp; their reply marks it in your app, and you hear if a dose isn’t marked.
Help nearby
With your parent’s agreement, ask neighbours, friends or relatives who see them often to check in and to call you if something seems wrong. If a care worker visits, arranging the visit around a medicine time can help.
Doctors and permission
Your parent decides how much of their health information you can see. In the US, doctors need written permission before they share it with you; rules differ elsewhere, so ask their doctor’s office what they need. With permission, you can join appointments, including video ones.
On visits and at appointments
Ask your parent beforehand what they’d like to do during your visit, and look at whether medicines are being taken and appointments kept. Before an appointment, gather questions from your parent and anyone else helping, bring the medicine list, including anything another doctor prescribed, and take notes.
Questions
How can I help my parents with their medicines from another city?
Keep an up-to-date medicine list, use one pharmacy where possible, set up reminders that reach them, and ask someone nearby to check in. With their permission, talk to their doctors and join appointments.
How do I remind my elderly parent to take medicine?
Phone alarms, a call at dose times or a pill organiser can help. AlongWell can send each dose to their WhatsApp, and tells you if a dose isn’t marked.
What should a parent’s medicine list include?
Each medicine and supplement, what it’s for, the dose, when it’s taken, when it started and who prescribed it, plus any allergies.
Sources
- National Institute on Aging: The Caregiver’s Handbook (2023), read 28 October 2026
- MedlinePlus Magazine: Helping from miles away, strategies for long-distance caregiving, read 28 October 2026
- MedlinePlus: Caregiving, medication management, read 28 October 2026
- FDA: 5 medication safety tips for older adults, read 28 October 2026
- National Institute on Aging: Tips for taking medicines safely as you age (2022), read 28 October 2026
- NHS: Medicines, tips for carers, read 28 October 2026
