Managing Medications

Accessing and Managing Medication with Blindness or Low Vision

It can be hard to identify medications when you have vision loss. Medication mistakes can be dangerous. They can lead to serious problems. Developing systems for medications helps people with blindness or low vision prevent errors. Having these systems in place is key to ensuring safety.

A person with vision loss understands their medications, dosages, uses, and related information. They can use their structured system alone. This helps make sure they can stick with their medication routines.

Labeling

One of the most important things about medications is their labeling. Make sure that the labeling system is consistent, easy to read, or accessible through other methods. if needed. These methods can be simple or high-tech, based on what the person prefers and needs.

Here are some label examples:

• Pharmacists can place large print labels with letters or symbols on the bottle and lid.
• Pharmacists can create braille labels for each medication package.
• Color coding may work well for some people.
• Tactile symbols, which can be self-made or bought, may be useful for some users.
• The symbols must be different enough to avoid confusion with other labels.

By using these methods, you can ensure medication safety and accessibility for everyone.

Electronic Label Systems

You can use electronic labeling systems to keep track of your prescription information. The most common method uses a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sticker.

Here’s how it works:

• The pharmacist puts an RFID sticker on the bottom or side of the prescription package.
• The sticker contains information. It has the prescription’s:
  • Name.
  • Dosage.
  • Instructions.
  • Related details.
• You can read the sticker’s information using a stand-alone device. Or you can use a software application for non-visual accessibility.

The pharmacist puts your prescription information on each RFID sticker. This lets you read the prescription information as soon as you get it. It reduces wait time, confusion, and medication mix-ups.

Organization

Organizing medication is very important for people who are blind or have low vision. When you create a safe, consistent, and efficient system, you always know where your medication is.

Here’s how organization helps:

• You can easily manage your medication.
• You can keep track of your medication schedule.
• You can plan for dosages and refills.

By staying organized, you can ensure you take the right medication at the right time.

Organization Tips

• Use flat-bottom containers with high sides. These help keep medications secure.
• Choose containers in contrasting colors. This will help you avoid dropping medications when moving them.
• Use pill organizers or boxes with color contrast, large print, or braille labels.
• Choose larger pill organizers divided by times of day (morning and evening) and days of the week.
• Set reminders on your phone or computer. These reminders will tell you which medication to take, the dosage, and the timing.
• Consider using stand-alone dispenser systems that pharmacists can preload.

Compliance

It’s important to take your medications correctly and on time. This is especially true if you have visual conditions that may change with certain medications. It’s also true if you have other disabilities.

Here are some ways to manage your medications:

• Use correct labeling, organization, and technology. Make sure you have a system. This can include setting reminders.
• Set timers or use stand-alone medication dispensers.

If you have vision loss, learn how to get and manage your medications early in your rehabilitation. Having these skills can help make sure you take your medications correctly and safely.

Want to become more independent? Blind rehabilitation specialists or your medical care team can help with proper training.