Medication Organisation for Older Adults in Nigeria: A Calm, Practical System

The problem is rarely "too many medicines." It is usually that medicines get scattered, timing becomes fuzzy, and nobody is fully sure what was taken and when.

Reviewed by: Amela Pharmacy team, Uyo
Last updated: 3 Feb 2026

I am Ime, a pharmacist in Nigeria, and I see this often: the issue is usually the system, not the person.

A small scene many homes will recognise

One afternoon in Uyo, an older mum pulled out a nylon bag with mixed blister packs. Two packs looked almost the same. She switched on her phone torch and joked, "PHCN has done their own again."
Her daughter took quick photos, then wrote clear times on a simple paper timetable. Nothing fancy, but from that day, confusion reduced.

Why organisation matters more than memory

As we get older, the body may process medicines differently. At the same time, many older adults are on more than one medicine. That combination can raise the risk of side effects, interactions, or double-dosing when the routine is not clear.

Good medication organisation is not about being perfect. It is about reducing avoidable mistakes with: - clear labelling - consistent timing - one reliable routine everyone in the home understands

Build a calm, practical system

You do not need expensive gadgets. You need a setup that still works on busy mornings, during power cuts, and when another family member has to help.

1. Keep one main storage spot

Choose one cool, dry, high shelf away from heat and moisture. Avoid the bathroom and kitchen window area. Keep this spot consistent so nobody is searching in different places.

2. Keep a complete medication list

Write down every: - prescription medicine - over-the-counter medicine - herbal product - vitamin or supplement

Include the name, strength, purpose, and timing. Keep one copy at home and one on the phone or in a wallet for clinic visits or emergencies.

3. Use a simple timing plan

Use practical time blocks: morning, afternoon, evening, bedtime. Tie doses to regular routines like breakfast, evening news, or bedtime prayers. A clear routine beats memory alone.

4. Use a pill organiser only when it is suitable

A weekly pill box can help many people. For low vision, choose a larger box with bold labels.
If tablets look very similar, it may be safer to keep them in original packs and label timing clearly on each pack instead of mixing them together.

5. Use reminders that match your household

Pick what your family will actually use: - phone alarms - wall calendar - simple tick sheet near the medicine area

If a caregiver is involved, use a two-step check: one person prepares, another confirms.

Practical checklist

• [ ] Keep all medicines in one consistent, cool, dry place.
• [ ] Update the medication list (including OTCs, herbs, and supplements).
• [ ] Separate daily medicines from as-needed medicines.
• [ ] Confirm dose times are clear to everyone involved.
• [ ] Remove expired or unused medicines from active storage.
• [ ] Take the full list to every clinic and pharmacy visit.

Common mix-ups to watch for

These are common and preventable: - double-dosing because two different packs contain similar ingredients - similar names or similar-looking packs with different strengths - taking as-needed medicine as if it is a daily medicine - stopping a long-term medicine suddenly because the person feels better - continuing an old dose after a hospital or clinic changed the regimen

If any label or instruction is confusing, ask a pharmacist to explain it in plain language before leaving.

When to seek urgent help

Get urgent medical care if an older adult develops any of these after taking medicine: - trouble breathing, swelling of lips or face, or severe rash - sudden severe dizziness, fainting, or worsening confusion - chest pain, severe headache, or weakness on one side of the body - vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stool - repeated falls, especially after starting a new medicine

If you are caring for someone, make it easier on yourself

Caregiving is a lot, so the system should carry some of the stress for you.

• Do a monthly medicine check-in: count remaining doses, remove expired items, and confirm recent changes.
• Keep a one-page quick facts sheet: allergies, key conditions, current medicines, and emergency contacts.
• At every refill, confirm the name and strength, especially if pack colour or tablet shape has changed.
• Improve lighting in the medicine area to reduce reading errors.

The goal is not perfection. The goal is fewer mistakes, safer treatment, and more peace at home.

A respectful approach

Older adults deserve a system that protects dignity and independence. When the routine is clear, confidence improves for both the person taking medicines and the family supporting them.

Disclaimer

This article is for general education only and is not personal medical advice. For treatment decisions, please speak with a qualified doctor or pharmacist, and seek urgent care for severe or worrying symptoms.

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