Remembering to take your medication during the year is tricky enough. But add in the multiple distractions of the holidays, with more places to go, more people to see, and more tasks to accomplish, and you've got a prescription for a challenge to medication adherence.
You can rise to the challenge by putting a festive spin on these 4 reminder strategies. You might be so inspired that you incorporate them all year long!
- Pill boxes are a mainstay among patients who take multiple medications. They're convenient and easy to use, but they also can be a bit boring. Dress them up, literally, in holiday wrapping paper. Place a colorful bow on top, so that the box conveys that what lies inside really is a gift to their ongoing health.
- Calendar reminders are another tool that can be reliable, but also boring and easy to ignore. Make them fun by purchasing a “days of Christmas” or Advent calendar and inserting upbeat medication reminders in the windows. (Look for opportunities to purchase these calendars at big discounts after the holidays are over so that you can continue the fun into the year).
- Setting an alarm can evoke as many yawns as hearing the snooze alarm. During the holidays, set a ring tone on your phone that includes a few bars of the your favorite holiday song.
- Rather than combining “med time” with a mundane daily routine, such as brushing teeth or taking a shower, combine it with an engaging holiday activity, such as enjoying a healthy holiday treat.
When “med time” is paired with the spirit of the holidays, you can break down the resistance that many patients wage to taking their medication. For those times you need even more assistance, turn to your dedicated specialty pharmacy. At Avella, we have developed many innovative, technology-driven medication adherence initiatives, including:
- Interactive text message program to help to help you stay on track with your medication schedule
- Telephone or face-to-face counsels with your pharmacist.
Our trusted health experts know that medication non-adherence is a serious issue that affects clinical outcomes and contributes to rising healthcare costs. Through the holidays and beyond, we can elevate medication adherence from your wish list to your reality list.
If you’re looking for general information about medication adherence, we invite you to access our list of medication adherence resources. In addition, discover how our free text messaging program can assist with medication management.
