Why National Check Your Meds Day Matters at Melody Living

Medication management is one of the most vital—and sometimes most overlooked—components of senior health. On October 21, we observe National Check Your Meds Day, a reminder for everyone (but especially seniors, their families, and care teams) to take stock of medications: prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and everything in between. At Melody Living Assisted Living in Lake in the Hills, this day isn’t just about checking pills - it’s about safety, well-being, connection, and peace of mind.

Why This Day Is Especially Important for Seniors

Many seniors take multiple medications, often prescribed by different doctors. Adding in over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or supplements increases the risk of:

• Medication interactions: when two or more substances don’t work well together, potentially causing harm.
• Expired or redundant medications that might no longer be needed or could interfere with newer treatments.
• Confusion about dosage schedules (morning vs evening, with food vs on an empty stomach).
• Side effects or changes in health status that may alter how the body processes certain meds. Getting regular reviews helps catch these.

National Check Your Meds Day encourages people to bring their full medication list, including supplements and over-the-counter items, to a pharmacist or their healthcare provider for a comprehensive review.

How Melody Living Supports Safe Medication Practices

Ensuring our residents are safe, comfortable, and well cared for is central to everything we do. Here’s how we align with that mission, especially on days like October 21:

Regular Medication Reviews

Our team includes nursing support to monitor medication regimens. We work closely with pharmacies and physicians to make sure medications are up to date, dosages are correct, potential interactions are considered, and expired or redundant medications are removed from schedules.

Personalized Support for Each Resident

We understand that changes in health, nutrition, mobility, cognitive status, or even other non-healthcare factors can affect how medications work. Our Assisted Living neighborhood is designed to respond to those changes. Our caregivers and managers adjust plans in consultation with healthcare partners so residents are always on a regimen that reflects their current needs.

Education & Engagement

We believe residents and their families should feel empowered. We encourage questions, discussions, and clarity about what each medication is for, what kind of side effects to watch for, and how supplements or over-the-counter medications fit in—or sometimes, don’t.

Bridge Program & Memory Sensitive Care

For residents in or approaching memory care, such as those in our Melody Bridge Program, medication review takes on added importance. Changes in cognition or memory may mean accidentally skipping doses or misremembering medications. We build in extra layers of oversight for those who need it.

What You Can Do to Mark National Check Your Meds Day

If you or someone you care for is part of the Melody Living community, here are actions to take on or around October 21:

1. Gather everything: Bring together all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter items someone is using. Don’t forget topical, inhaled, or “as needed” ones.
2. Talk to the care team: Ask our care staff toreview these items with you and your loved one living in our care. We can coordinate with pharmacists or doctors, if needed.
3. Document and track: Maintain an updated medication list—names, doses, times, purpose—and share it with all healthcare providers, as well as family or caregivers.
4. Ask key questions, such as:

• Is this medication still needed?
• Are there any interactions with other meds or foods?
• Has the dosage changed?
• What are the possible side effects, and how to manage them?
• How to best organize and schedule doses (including reminders or pill organizers)?

The Peace of Mind That Comes from Careful Medication Management

When medications are managed well, there is so much to gain:

• Reduced risk of emergency hospital visits due to medication errors or adverse interactions.
• Better quality of life: fewer side effects, more consistency, more confidence.
• More independence: when residents know their care plan is monitored and responsive, they can feel safer and less anxious.

Stronger partnership among residents, families, and our team—open communication, trust, and support.

Taking the Next Step Together

At Melody Living Lake in the Hills, assisted living isn’t just about providing care; it’s about creating a community where each person is respected, safe, and supported. On National Check Your Meds Day (October 21), and every day, we invite you to partner with us:

• If you are a resident or family member, schedule a medication review with our care team.
• If you notice changes such as any new medications, new symptoms, or confusion, reach out.
• Join us in making medication safety and wellness a priority.

Call us at (847) 957-7070 or visit our contact page to schedule your private tour. Let’s ensure your medications are working for you, not against you, in the seasons ahead.