Medically Reviewed By: Purvi Chirag Shah, Superintendent Pharmacist (GPhC Number: 2080242)
Last Reviewed: July 2026 | Next Review: July 2027
Helping an elderly parent manage their medication can be challenging, especially when repeat prescriptions, pharmacy visits and multiple medicines all need to be coordinated.
Many older adults take several medicines every day. Some need tablets in the morning, others at lunchtime, and some before bed. Keeping track of repeat prescriptions, ordering medicines on time and collecting them from the pharmacy can become difficult, especially if your parents has mobility problems, memory issues or struggles with technology.
The good news is that there are simple ways to help.
This guide explains how family members and carers can help an elderly parent order medication online, manage repeat prescriptions and reduce the risk of running out of important medicines.
Research from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has highlighted the challenges many older adults and family carers face when managing multiple medicines and repeat prescriptions. Managing medication can place a significant burden on older people and their families, particularly when several medicines need to be ordered, collected and taken at different times of the day.
Why Ordering Medication Can Be Difficult for Older Adults
As people get older, managing medicines often becomes more complicated.
Many older adults live with more than one health condition and may take several different medicines every day. Research has shown that managing multiple medicines can place a significant burden on older people and their family carers.
Common challenges include:
- Forgetting when medicines need to be ordered
- Difficulty using smartphones, computers or apps
- Mobility problems that make pharmacy visits harder
- Confusion about which medicines need repeating
- Remembering usernames and passwords
- Managing several prescriptions from different healthcare providers
Over time, these challenges can increase the risk of missed prescriptions, medication errors and unnecessary stress for both patients and their families.
Signs Your Parent May Need Help Managing Medication
Sometimes it is not obvious when an older parent is struggling with their medication. Many people try to stay independent and may not mention that they are finding things difficult.
Some common signs include:
- Running out of medication before the next prescription is due
- Missing doses or forgetting medicines completely
- Having several half-used medicine boxes around the home
- Confusion about which tablets should be taken and when
- Missing GP appointments or medication reviews
- Difficulty reading medicine labels
- Frequently asking family members for help with prescriptions
- Feeling stressed or overwhelmed by managing medicines
If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to offer extra support with medication management and prescription ordering.
How Family Members Can Help
Many family members help their parents manage prescriptions every month.
Simple ways to help include:
- Checking when medicines are running low
- Keeping a list of current medications
- Helping with NHS App access
- Ordering repeat prescriptions on time
- Monitoring pharmacy deliveries
- Attending medication reviews if appropriate
- Speaking with the pharmacy about any concerns
Even small amounts of support can make a big difference.
What Is NHS Proxy Access?
NHS proxy access allows someone to help manage another person’s GP online services.
This means a family member or carer can help with tasks such as:
- Ordering repeat prescriptions
- Viewing prescription information
- Managing some healthcare services online
Importantly, proxy access uses a separate login. Family members should never use another person’s NHS login details.
NHS proxy access is commonly used by family carers, adult children and trusted individuals who help manage another person’s healthcare and prescriptions.
Proxy access helps protect privacy while allowing carers to provide practical support.
How To Set Up Proxy Access For An Elderly Parent
The process is usually straightforward.
Step 1: Contact the GP Surgery
Speak to your parent’s GP practice and ask about proxy access.
Step 2: Complete Any Required Forms
The practice may ask both you and your parent to provide identification and complete consent forms.
Step 3: Wait for Approval
Once approved, the GP surgery will explain how to access the relevant online services.
Step 4: Link Access to Your NHS Account
Depending on the setup used by the practice, you may be able to manage your parent’s prescriptions through your own NHS account.
If your parent is unable to manage their own healthcare decisions, the GP practice will advise on the appropriate process.
The exact process for setting up NHS proxy access may vary slightly between GP surgeries, so it is always best to contact your parent’s practice directly for guidance.
How To Order Repeat Prescriptions Online
Once access has been set up, ordering medication online is usually simple.
The general process involves:
- Logging into the NHS App or approved online service
- Reviewing the available repeat medications
- Selecting the medicines required
- Submitting the request
- Choosing a nominated pharmacy
Many pharmacies can then prepare the prescription for collection or arrange delivery where available.
Common Problems Older Adults Face When Ordering Medication
Even with online systems, problems can still occur.
Forgetting To Order In Time
One of the most common issues is simply forgetting to request medicines before supplies run out.
Difficulty Using Technology
Not everyone feels comfortable using apps, websites or online accounts.
Managing Multiple Prescriptions
People taking several medicines may struggle to remember which medicines need repeating and when.
Prescription Delays
Occasionally there may be delays caused by medication reviews, GP approval requirements or pharmacy processing times.
Planning ahead can help reduce disruption.
What Happens If Medication Is Missed?
Missing medication occasionally can happen to anyone. However, regularly missing doses or running out of medication can create problems.
Depending on the condition being treated, missed medication may:
- Make symptoms harder to control
- Reduce the effectiveness of treatment
- Increase the risk of health complications
- Lead to avoidable GP appointments or hospital visits
This is one reason why many family carers choose to help with prescription ordering and medication management. Staying organised can help ensure medicines are available when they are needed.
How To Avoid Running Out Of Medication
Running out of medication can be stressful and may affect treatment.
Helpful steps include:
- Checking medication supplies regularly
- Ordering repeat prescriptions early
- Using medication reminders
- Keeping a simple medication list
- Staying with one nominated pharmacy where possible
- Booking medication reviews when requested
Many carers find it helpful to keep a reminder in their phone or calendar for repeat prescription dates.
Supporting An Elderly Parent From A Distance
Many people help an elderly parent who lives in another town, city or even another part of the country.
Managing medication remotely can feel challenging, but there are practical ways to stay involved.
You may find it helpful to:
- Set reminders for prescription ordering dates
- Use NHS proxy access where appropriate
- Keep an up-to-date list of medicines
- Arrange prescription home delivery if available
- Stay in regular contact with your parent and pharmacy
- Check that medication reviews are completed when required
Even when you cannot be there in person, small steps can help reduce stress and ensure prescriptions continue running smoothly.
How Medication Organisation Services Can Help
Ordering prescriptions is only one part of managing medicines. Many older adults and family carers also need to keep track of multiple medicines, repeat prescription dates and daily medication routines.
For people taking several medicines, staying organised can become difficult, particularly when medicines need to be taken at different times throughout the day.
PillCare is a medication management service provided by ProCare Pharmacy. Through the service, suitable NHS prescriptions can be coordinated, organised and delivered directly to the patient’s home. Suitable medicines may also be organised into clearly labelled medication pouches to help support daily medication routines.
For some patients and carers, having prescriptions coordinated and delivered to their door can help reduce the time and effort involved in managing regular medicines.
When Home Delivery May Be Helpful
For some older adults, getting to a pharmacy every month is not always easy.
Home delivery may be helpful for people who:
- Have limited mobility
- No longer drive
- Depend on family members for transport
- Live alone
- Manage several regular prescriptions
Having medicines delivered can reduce unnecessary journeys and help ensure prescriptions arrive when needed.
Questions To Ask Your Parent About Their Medication
If you are concerned that a parent may be struggling, having a simple conversation can help identify any problems early.
Consider asking:
- Do you know what each medicine is for?
- Do you ever forget to take your medication?
- Are you finding it difficult to order prescriptions?
- Have you ever run out of medication?
- Would prescription delivery make things easier?
- Do you find it difficult to keep track of different medicines?
- Would additional support help you feel more confident?
These questions can help you understand where support may be needed and what solutions might be most helpful.
Additional Support For Older Adults Taking Multiple Medicines
Managing a single prescription is often relatively simple. However, keeping track of several medicines taken at different times of the day can become much more complicated.
Managing five, six or even ten medicines every day can be much harder.
Family carers often find themselves sorting medication boxes, checking prescription dates and helping loved ones remember when to take medicines.
When someone takes several medicines every day, remembering what to order, when to order it and when to take it can become difficult. Medication management services can help by supporting prescription coordination, medication organisation, pharmacist support and home delivery, reducing some of the day-to-day pressure on patients and carers.
The right support depends on the individual’s needs, health conditions and treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If appropriate permissions are in place, family members and carers may be able to help manage repeat prescriptions using NHS online services.
Proxy access allows someone to help manage certain GP online services on behalf of another person while maintaining privacy and security.
Many pharmacies offer prescription delivery services, although availability may vary depending on location and provider.
Setting reminders, using online prescription services and checking supplies regularly can help reduce the risk of missed orders.
Yes, provided the correct permissions and NHS processes are followed.
Start with a calm conversation and explain that the goal is to make things easier, not take control away. Sometimes a small amount of support is enough.
Looking For Additional Medication Support?
If you are helping an elderly parent manage multiple medicines, support is available. PillCare supports patients and carers with prescription coordination, medication organisation, pharmacist support and home delivery, helping simplify everyday medication management and reduce the risk of missed prescriptions.
About PillCare
PillCare is a medication management service provided by ProCare Pharmacy, part of Sheav Chem Limited (Company Registration Number: 05400807).
Superintendent Pharmacist: Purvi Chirag Shah (GPhC Number: 2080242)
Medication Enquiries:
Telephone: 0208 907 2720
Email: info@pillcare.co.uk
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general information only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have questions about your medicines, prescriptions or healthcare needs, speak with your GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional.
