Blog: What’s in your medicine cabinet? Do you even have a medicine cabinet? In his latest guest blog, Bluebird Care Calderdale & Bradford’s CEO, Shabir Hussain looks at the contents of his medicine cabinet and suggests what you should keep in yours.
Visit Bluebird Care’s Website – Bluebird provide Home Care, Night Care, Live-in Care and other forms of care in Halifax and Calderdale.
Medicine Cabinet
Let’s start with those key questions: What’s in your medicine cabinet? Do you even have a medicine cabinet?
Sorry to start with direct questions, but I was delving into our family medicine cabinet the other day and I realised just how easy it is to take it for granted. Like many busy families, we share shopping and various other duties between us, but I have to hold up my hand and admit that the medicine cabinet isn’t always on my radar when I’m planning a trip to the supermarket.
But, for older people, especially, a well-stocked medicine cabinet can be a really useful resource. This applies even more in winter, when it’s not as easy to just “pop out” for pain killers or cough medicine. The harsh weather earlier in January also brought this home to me, so this month’s blog is all about the contents of a good medicine cabinet – plus a few reminders about how to decide which NHS service to choose if you need something a bit stronger than a paracetamol.
The Well-Stocked Medicine Cabinet – a quick guide
Make sure your medicine cabinet that is kept locked or out of reach of children. Here are some essential items that you should consider storing in your medicine cabinet:
- Pain relief medications: Aspirin, Paracetamol and Ibuprofen
- Cough and cold medicines: Cough medicine, Decongestant, throat lozenges
- Antihistamines: Antihistamine tablets and spray
- Antibacterial ointment: Hydrocortisone cream, Antibiotic ointment
- First aid tools: Bandages, Sterile Gauze, Medical/Adhesive Tape, Antiseptic for cleaning a wound, Cotton Balls/Swabs, Small Pair of Scissors, Tweezers, Ice and Heat Packs, plasters
- Prescription Medicines: You can also store your prescription medicines but make sure you have the prescription inside your medicine cabinet as well for further information about these medicines.
Please note that every family will be different, but if you are in doubt, your local pharmacy is a great source of advice. You can also read NHS advice on what to keep in a first aid kit at home.
Getting Help From The NHS – Which service should I choose?
The NHS is busy in winter, but it’s important that people continue to use their services when they need them. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best service for your medical condition. Each links through to the NHS’s “Together we Can” website, which has more information on making the best choices.
- Self Care At Home: Many minor issues like coughs, grazes and sore throats can be treated at home. More Info
- Pharmacy: Great for medical advice and treatment for things like colds, tummy troubles, rashes, aches and pains. More Info
- NHS111: Visit the NHS 111 website or call 111 if you need medical help quickly, 24/7. More Info
- Mental Health: Call 0800 183 0558 (Calderdale) or 0800 952 1181 (Bradford ) for free, confidential, help, support, information and guidance. More Info
- GP: GP practices provide advice and support on a range of health concerns. Seven days a week. More Info
- A&E: For life-threatening emergencies like heart attacks. 24/7. More Info·
See also:
Blog 17 – Blog: A Healthy Diet In Winter
Blog 16 – Blog: Making Christmas Special For An Older Relative
Blog 15 – Seasonal Affective Disorder
Blog 14 – Blog: Tips to keep you warm in winter
Blog 13 – Blog: Telling people about your dementia diagnosis
Blog 12 – Blog: Meet one of Bluebird’s carers, Pamela
Blog 11 – Blog: Bluebird Care looks at taking a break with someone with dementia
Blog 10 – Blog: Bluebird’s Live-in-Care Manager Talks About Her Role
Blog 9 – Blog: Bluebird Care Looking At Night Care And How It Works
Blog 8 – Blog: Bluebird Care Looking At Home Care And How It Works
Blog 7 – Blog: Bluebird Care on Live-In Care and how it works
Blog 6 – Blog: Bluebird Care on Early Diagnosis Of Dementia
Blog 5 – Blog: Bluebird Care on the challenges of communicating with a person with dementia
Blog 4 – Blog: Bluebird Care on ways to look after your health when you have dementia
Blog 3 – Bluebird Care’s tips for preparing for winter
Blog 2 – Bluebird Care’s Community Work
Blog 1 – Introducing Bluebird Care | Visit Bluebird Care’s Website