Prescription drugs are drugs which a doctor asks a patient to take after diagnosing the patient. A proper drug compliance protocol may reduce the onset of the disease and prevent it from getting worse. You must instruct your maid to remind your mother to take drugs on schedule, and not to let her deliberately adjust their frequency or dosage. Generally speaking, when taking prescribed drugs, the elderly should remember the following:

• Taking drugs under adequate lighting to avoid taking wrong drugs and dosage.
• When taking multiple medications, using medication organizer.
• Know the proper method of drug use such as oral, sublingual, chew before swallowing, inhalation, rectal and external application.
• Carefully read the drug label. Note the proper dosage to be taken, its timing, desired effects and side effects, etc. 
• Do not take more than one drug at the same time, unless you have consulted your doctor or pharmacist. This also applies to chinese medicine as well.
• If you suspect developing drug allergy after taking medications, stop the drug immediately and seek medical advice.
• Do not use drugs after the expiry date or if the appearance has altered.
• Drugs should be stored in a cool dry place, but not the refrigerator unless specified. Drugs should be kept away from children.
• Do not recommend your prescribed drugs with others and ask them to buy for usage. 

You or your maid should accompany your mother to visit doctor periodically to review her responses towards the medications and know the progress of her recovery. Doctor will reassess the dosage of the drugs, or replace it with a more suitable drugs for her, according to her health conditions.

Click here to download and read the Community CareAge Foundation’s Drugs Mini Encyclopedia to learn more about the drug dosage and management.