Medication Management For Seniors

Did I or didn’t I?
That’s a question that a lot of seniors ask themselves when it’s time to take a prescribed medication. You mull the question over in your head, uncertain if you took your medication on time as prescribed or if you forgot to do either one because of a lapse in memory.
Inappropriate use of medication is rampant in the elderly population. It is estimated that over 75% of seniors acknowledge they frequently make mistakes medicating which is why most calls to poison control centers nationwide are due to medication errors.
Medication Errors Are Increasing
While errors in medicating impact all age segments, the problem is more pervasive in senior populations. One of the reasons why is because medications are an essential part of healthcare for older adults and without them, many seniors would suffer a diminished quality of life and in some cases, a shorter life span.
It is estimated that about 90 percent of people 65 and older take one prescribed medication daily with 80 percent taking two different drugs. About one in three older adults take 5 or more medications as part of their daily health maintenance regimen. The reason why seniors are the group most affected is just simple math. As the elderly population increases, so does the incidence of medication errors.
It is reported that at least one death daily occurs due to medication errors and that over 1.3 million people nationwide are injured for the same reason. Fortunately, over and under dosing are mistakes that can be minimized with some smart, practical approaches to medication management.
Communication Is Key
The best way to prevent medication errors is with teamwork. Having clear communications with your physician, pharmacist, family members, friends and care providers can minimize or avert most mistakes. It is highly recommended that prescriptions be filled at one pharmacy rather than multiple ones. Pharmacists play a crucial role in making sure there are no actual or potentially dangerous drug combinations. Pharmacists are trained in understanding medication management for seniors, so having a relationship with one pharmacy versus several can reduce the likelihood of avoidable mistakes.
All medication labels have specific instructions on dosage requirements but sometimes, they can be misinterpreted or ignored in whole or part such as taking them with food or without and what time of day they should be administered. Medications should be taken only as directed, so make sure that you and anyone involved in your care understands how they should be administered.
Simple, inexpensive things such as pill organizers are an effective way to assure proper medication management. For people with cognitive disorders, “smart” pill dispensers can help them take the right medications at the right time and alert care providers if mistakes occur.
Maintaining a schedule is another way to assure correct medication administration. It’s easy to lose track of taking medications and this can lead to errors such as overdosing. By taking medications consistently at the same time each day (such as at breakfast or bedtime), you can help avert mistakes before they happen.
If you are a family member, friend or caregiver of a senior taking multiple medications, be on the alert for symptoms of medication mismanagement such as mood swings, over sedation or having too many or too few pills remaining when refills are scheduled. If you notice signs of changes in appearance, demeanor, sleep or activity patterns, alert your senior’s physician immediately so an assessment can be performed.
Many seniors self-administer over-the-counter medications such as dietary supplements, vitamins, digestive aids and like items. While in most cases this presents no health concern, some of these over-the-counter drugs can negatively interact with prescribed medications. Seniors may forget to mention what they are taking to their doctors and pharmacists, so it is wise to inventory these over-the-counter drugs and call them to the attention of their care providers.
Many pills look alike and even their names can sound familiar. For this reason, it is important to identify and take each one correctly. Labeling the pill boxes or keeping the medications in their original prescription containers can prevent mistaking one medication for another one.
Prevention Is The Best Cure
Medication mistakes can and do happen. If you or a loved one is having problems with taking medications correctly, address the situation as soon as possible. Contact your health care provider and pharmacist and ask for assistance. Their training and practical know-how in helping seniors take their medications correctly can be an invaluable, life-saving experience.