A study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information carried out on home care patients found that 16 percent had skipped a medication in the last 24 hours, 6 percent were taking the wrong dose, and 5 percent were experiencing adverse effects from their medication [1].
Poor medication management in older adults can lead to serious health complications, including adverse drug interactions, medication errors, and decreased treatment efficacy. This demographic is particularly vulnerable due to factors such as polypharmacy, age-related changes in drug metabolism, and cognitive decline.
Ensuring proper medication management is crucial to maintain your health, prevent complications, and support your independence and well-being.
Dangers of Poor Medication Management for Older Adults
Mismanagement of medications can have damaging results both in the short and long run. Below are some of the dangers of poor medication management.
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Adverse Drug Interactions: Mixing prescription medications without proper oversight can lead to harmful interactions, which may cause unexpected side effects or reduce the effectiveness of your medications.
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Medication Errors: Taking the wrong dose, skipping doses, or taking your medications at the wrong time can result in ineffective treatment or overdose.
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Increased Risk of Falls: Some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness, increasing your likelihood of falls and related injuries.
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Hospitalizations: Poor medication management can lead to health complications that require emergency care or hospitalization, such as heart problems or severe infections.
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Cognitive Impairment: Mismanagement of medications can contribute to confusion, memory loss, and other cognitive issues, making it even harder for you to manage your medications properly.
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Worsening of Chronic Conditions: Inconsistent medication adherence can cause chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease to worsen, leading to serious health consequences for you.
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Reduced Quality of Life: Health complications arising from poor medication management can lead to a decline in your overall well-being and independence, affecting your daily activities and enjoyment of life.
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Increased Healthcare Costs: Frequent medical visits, hospital stays, and treatments for complications can significantly increase your healthcare expenses.
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Decreased Treatment Efficacy: Not taking your medications as prescribed can result in suboptimal treatment outcomes, making it harder for you to manage your health conditions effectively.
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Emotional and Psychological Impact: The stress and anxiety of dealing with health complications and frequent medical interventions can take a toll on your mental health.
If you're already experiencing any of these negative effects of medication mismanagement, speak with your pharmacist or a healthcare professional for help. They may advise you to stop taking the medications and try a different approach.
Medication Safety Tips and Management for Seniors
According to a data note by the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly nine in ten (89%) adults aged 65 and older report that they are currently taking a prescription medicine [2]. Many adults take at least one medication every day. How do you ensure you take these medications as directed by your physician and effectively?
Managing medications can get difficult, especially for seniors who have been newly diagnosed with a chronic condition. However, the list below can help seniors manage their medications better and lead healthier lives.
1. Keep an Up-to-Date Medication List
Maintain a list of all the medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies. This list should be updated regularly and kept with you at all times. Share it with your healthcare providers during each visit to ensure they have the most current information.
If you believe a medicine isn't working as intended, you can take that opportunity to discuss this with them.
2. Follow the Prescribed Instructions
Take your medicines exactly as your doctor prescribed, without skipping doses or taking extra. Ask your health care professional if you still have any doubts or questions about the instructions.
Avoid taking prescribed drugs without a prescription. If you exhaust your medication dosage, speak with your doctor to know how to move forward. Extensive use of certain medications can cause side effects that are dangerous to your health.
3. Use a Medication Organizer
A pill organizer can help you keep track of your daily medication schedule. It has compartments for each day of the week and different times of the day, making it easier to manage your doses. This reduces the risk of missing a dose or taking the wrong medication.
4. Set Reminders
Alarms, timers, or smartphone reminders can alert you of medication use times. Setting these reminders helps you stay on schedule, especially if you have multiple medications to take throughout the day. Consistency in taking your medication is crucial for it to be effective.
5. Read Labels Carefully
Always read the medication labels (drug facts labels) on your medication bottles or packaging to understand the correct dosage and any special instructions. Pay attention to warnings about food, alcohol, or other medications that could interact with your prescription.
6. Store Medications Properly
Keep your medications in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their effectiveness. Some medications may require refrigeration, so check the storage instructions on the label. Keeping medications out of reach of children and pets is also important for safety.
7. Dispose of Medications Safely
Do not keep expired or unused medications, as they can be harmful or less effective. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of these medications safely. Many communities offer medication take-back programs to help with safe disposal.
8. Communicate with Your Health Care Providers
Regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure they are still appropriate for your health needs. Discuss any side effects or concerns you have about your medications. Ensuring all your healthcare providers are aware of your current medications helps prevent harmful interactions.
9. Be Aware of Potential Side Effects
Educate yourself about the possible side effects and drug interactions of your medications so you can recognize them if they occur. If you notice any unusual symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Being informed about side effects allows you to act quickly and seek appropriate care.
10. Don't Share Medications
Medications are prescribed based on individual health needs, so taking someone else's medication or sharing yours can be dangerous. Each person's condition and response to medication are different, and sharing medications can lead to serious health risks. Always take medications that are specifically prescribed for you.
11. Medication Therapy Management
Consider Medication Therapy Management (MTM) to better manage your medications. During an MTM, your pharmacist can help review all your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, to ensure they work well together and are taken correctly.
MTM is especially valuable for older adults and those with chronic conditions, as it helps manage complex medication schedules and improves adherence to prescribed therapies.
12. Hire a Primary Care Provider
Finding a primary care provider is essential for managing your health, ensuring personalized care, timely screenings, early detection of health concerns, and promoting overall wellness and effective health management. They oversee preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and address health issues.
13. Avoid Certain Medications
Understand that your liver and kidneys may not work as well as those of younger people. Certain medications may be incompatible with seniors. The American Geriatric Society put together a list of medications that older adults should avoid because they can put you at risk of side effects or interactions that may cause problems [3].
14. Stay Informed
Ask questions about your medications to understand why you are taking them, how they work, and what they are expected to do. Staying informed helps you manage your health better and ensures you are taking your medications correctly. Knowledge about your medications empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.
With these detailed tips, you can manage your medications more safely and effectively, which is crucial for maintaining your health and well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, effective medication management is crucial for the health and well-being of older adults. By following these safety tips—such as keeping an updated medication list, using pill organizers, and communicating openly with healthcare providers—seniors can minimize risks associated with medication use.
Taking medications as prescribed, understanding potential side effects, and regularly reviewing medication regimens with healthcare professionals are key practices that promote safe and effective treatment outcomes.
With proper management, older adults can maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, and ensure continued good health for years.
