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.
With Winter approaching, this is a good time to make sure your home has a well-stocked medicine cabinet, which will help you through the winter.
Medicine Cabinet
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. 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.
Locating your medicine cabinet
It’s natural to place your medicine cabinet in the bathroom, or perhaps on a high shelf in a kitchen cupboard. Of course, the choice is up to you, but putting it somewhere convenient and accessible is the key. Consider whether you might need to access it during the night. And make sure it’s at a height where you can easily get at it and see all the contents. In other words, put it somewhere where you can get at it when you need it.
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 – there have recently been additions to the services pharmacies can provide – see pharmacy first scheme
- 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
Bluebird Home Care
Home Care, Live-in Care and Night Care are all great options for staying safe in your own home in later life. Please visit our website for a look at our services, plus you can book a free consultation to explore your needs. Visit Bluebird Care’s Website.