Managing treatments and medications

Once you are receiving disability support, you will need to think about how you are going to manage your treatment and medication. How serious your disability is will help determine the kind of care you need.

The type of disability shapes the care you need#

Some people only need to check in with their doctor or specialist from time to time. Others may rely on a team of health professionals looking after different areas of their care, such as physiotherapists, speech pathologists or audiologists.

Many disability support programs encourage a self-directed approach, which means you and your family make decisions about your treatment together. Talk with them about your health goals, how you would like to approach your treatment and what is important to you.

If you are not comfortable talking with your family about it, contact your doctor or social worker and discuss your preferred treatment and lifestyle options with them.

Building a routine#

There are many ways you and the people caring for you can improve your general health, even while living with a severe disability. Keeping on top of regular appointments, medications, dietary needs, medical diaries, equipment and any exercises your doctor suggests can be difficult, especially while you adjust to a new situation after an injury or illness.

Try to fit everything into a set routine. A regular routine helps you stay positive, remember what needs to be done, and free up energy for the things you enjoy. Keep a calendar handy (on your phone or on the wall) to note important dates, and set reminders so nothing is missed.

If you are having trouble remembering everything your treatment requires each day, ask a family member or friend to help. It is far better to ask for help than to miss important appointments or take the wrong dose of medication.

Talking with your doctor#

The most important thing when speaking with your doctor is to be honest and upfront. To assess your progress properly, your doctor needs a full understanding of where you are and how you are feeling. Do not say you have been following advice if you have not been able to, and be honest about lifestyle habits such as smoking, drug use, diet and exercise.

If you are seeing several health professionals, it is a good idea to have one doctor act as the “leader” of your healthcare team. They can track your overall progress and make sure your medications and treatments do not work against each other.

Be as specific as you can about your symptoms and any side effects from your medications. Keep a journal and note when symptoms occur and whether they follow particular events, such as after eating. Take notes during appointments, or bring a support person to help you remember the information, and ask for printed information to take home if it helps.

Make sure you understand the doctor’s instructions before you leave. If something is unclear, ask for clarification. For example, if you are told to get more exercise, ask what kind and how often.

After a hospital stay#

After a hospital stay, you may need regular check-ups with your hospital doctor or your local doctor so your healthcare team can monitor your recovery and general wellbeing. The kind of follow-up care depends on the treatment you had and any side effects you experience.

Some people recover more quickly than others, and some need ongoing therapy to stay mobile or return to what they did before. Whatever your condition, settling into a routine of medication, exercises and appointments can help you gradually get back to the activities you enjoy.

Coming to terms with a new way of life can take a long time, and the path ahead may seem unclear. If you are struggling with your recovery emotionally, speak with your doctor, social worker or counsellor.

Allied health and home support#

Depending on how severe your disability is, you may need a range of services to live independently, from specialist services, mobility aids and in-home support to ongoing medical treatment. Your doctor may suggest services such as physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, speech pathology or occupational therapy. These are often called “allied health services”. Visiting nurses who come to your home may also be recommended.

Working with an allied health practitioner may improve your mobility, independence and ability to care for yourself, and can reduce the risk of complications in long-term conditions or after illness or injury. Do your best to follow their instructions, but be honest if something is painful or too difficult to keep doing. It is their job to help you reach your health goals, so they can adjust the treatment to suit your needs.

Using medications safely#

Tell all your doctors about any medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medicines such as herbal remedies and vitamin supplements. They can advise you about any medicines that could cause unwanted effects.

If your doctor prescribes medication, you will need to have your prescription filled at a pharmacy. Ask the pharmacist questions if you are unsure - they can often give you extra information about your prescription, over-the-counter or herbal medicines.

The pharmacist may offer a generic brand that costs less than the brand your doctor prescribed. Ask them to explain any differences between the two; the choice is then up to you. Sometimes your doctor will specify that you should not substitute a generic brand, and in that case you should follow their instructions.

If you have problems once you start taking a medication:

• Do not change or stop the treatment without speaking to your doctor first.
• Tell your doctor if you have stopped a treatment and why.
• Work with your doctor to find a treatment that suits you better.

After leaving hospital, make sure you understand what medication to take, how to take it and how often. If you do not feel your medication is working, or it is causing unwanted side effects, speak to your doctor - they might change the dose or prescribe an alternative. If you get any unexpected side effects that your doctor or pharmacist did not warn you about, contact your doctor immediately.

Mental health and medication#

Like anyone, people living with a disability can experience a range of mental health issues. Sometimes these can be triggered by a major change in lifestyle or circumstance, such as an accident or the onset of a serious illness.

A doctor may prescribe medication for a mental health condition. Different medications treat different conditions, and they can help whether for a short time or over the long term. If you have been prescribed medication, it is important to understand how to take it, why you are taking it, and what to do if you have unexpected or serious side effects.

Key points#

• The type of disability helps determine the kind of treatment you need.
• It is much better to ask for help than to miss appointments or take the wrong dose of medication.
• The most important thing when speaking with your doctor is to be honest and upfront.
• Be as specific as you can about your symptoms and any side effects.
• Allied health practitioners can reduce the risk of complications in long-term conditions or after illness or injury.

Where to get help#