Start with what already works
Think through your daily routine and identify a few habits that you always do at the same time every day. Here are some common examples:- Reading the news
- Doing your makeup
- Brushing your teeth
- Walking the dog
If you are taking tablets it may be as simple as building a process to remember to take the tablets as part of your daily routine. If you are administering an injection you may need to plan a little more carefully.
After you’ve identified your habits, prioritise the ones that are most ideal for a treatment routine, where perhaps the environment is calm and you can focus. It is important to create a calm environment and pleasant treatment routine, especially if you are afraid of needles.
Here are a few practical ideas that work for some
- Ask a family member, colleague or friend to remind you during the first few days of treatment – ensure both of you set an alarm at the same time and ask them to call and be sure you remembered.
- Set your mobile alarm to a new and distinct song or ring tone that can be easily associated with taking your medicine.
- Add reminder notes to prominent places in your home. You can try changing the message, the size of the note and the colour so that it always grabs your attention.
- Keep some of your medicine in various locations, like at the office or in your purse or briefcase. If you happen to forget, then you will have a backup available. Important note: Always check your medicine’s storage requirements. Some prescription medicines should not be stored in the car for example, where the temperature can affect the effectiveness of the medicine.
- Consider downloading an app that not only reminds you, but also helps you keep track of the fact that you did remember to take your medicine.
- Consider any other type of treatment planner, whether you draw a chart on your bathroom mirror or use the alarm on your mobile phone as ‘treatment planner’.