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Medication Adaptations

​By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
June 7, 2019

Older students need to learn how to identify and take the correct medication in the prescribed dosages and at the correct time. Sometimes it is possible to identify medications by the size and shape of the container, but containers are frequently similar or identical. Sometimes, pills themselves can be identified by the shape or texture, but this isn't always the case. Use the following strategies to help identify medications. 

General Tips

  • It is best to keep medication in the original containers so they don't get mixed up.
  • Keep medication you take regularly separate from medication taken once in a while.
  • Apps can be set up to help users remember to take medication at the correct time. 
  • Apps and bar code readers can identify label information.
  • Ask the pharmacist for a regular pill bottle instead of one with a child-proof lid if there are no children in the home.
  • Keep medications away from sunlight, heat and humidity.
  • Dispose of old or outdated medications safely (Do not flush down the toilet as the medication will enter our water system. )

Labeling Medications

  • Tactile markers can be placed on pill bottles to help identify them. They are available in different shapes, sizes, and textures.
  • Rubber bands or elastic hair bands can be placed on containers to differentiate them. 
  • Encourage the student to make a code or reference of the marking system so they don't forget what the textures represent. 
  • Keep medications in a basket, box or area where they are stored together. 
  • If the student has difficulty opening child-proof caps, a pharmacist can provide a regular pill bottle but only request this if there are no children in the home. 

 Pill Organizers & Splitters

If it isn't practical to keep medications in the original container because you take a number of pills and at different times, you may want to use a pill organizer. There are many options of pill organizers. Select one that meets the needs of the student.
  • Select one that is accessible (Large Print or Braille)
  • Provides enough space for the pills or compartments for doses the student uses. 
  • A student can be taught to use a pill splitter as a way to split pills or caplets safely.
  • When filling pill organizers, advise the student to open the pill bottles over a tray with a raised edge so any dropped filled can be easily located.

Liquid Medications

  • Apply eye or ear drops with a plastic disposable pipette or a dropper with a bulb that allows the user to squeeze one drop out at a time. 

First Aid Kit

  • Help the student become familiar with the contents of a first aid kit and the purpose and use of each item. 
  • Tactile markers can be placed on similarly shaped items in order to differentiate them.
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