Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: I am writing this in response to the reader who wrote about giving medications to his elderly mother.

I am a pharmacist who works at an independent community pharmacy. We blister- or bubble-pack medications for patients for a very nominal fee.

This consists of placing medications in bubble cards that are marked for each day, time of day and dose (one for a.m., one for p.m., etc.). It makes it less confusing for patients and caregivers. And there is never the question of “Did I take or give that medication?” because if you did, the bubble has had the medicine pushed out for the day and time. Most people do not realize that this service is easily accessed in their community. It really cuts down on medication errors and takes away a lot of stress involved with medication schedules. I hope this helps someone. – Betsy Briley, Huntsville, Ala.

Wow, what a wonderful service. Betsy, thanks so much for bringing this to our attention. – Heloise