What Is Medication Management? Essential Information and Tips
According to Merck Manuals, nearly 90% of older adults take at least one prescription drug. About one in three even rely on five different prescription medications!
The more medicines a person takes, the more likely they can commit medication errors. For example, they may forget to take the right one at the right time or confuse one medicine for another. Such mistakes can lead to poor medication adherence.
Fortunately, medication management, which the top senior living communities provide, can help.
But what is medication management, and how does it benefit older adults?
In this guide created by the team at Highland Place, we've answered all those questions and more. So please read on, as what you learn here can give you an idea of what to look for if you or a loved one decides to transition to assisted living in Inverness, FL.
What Is Medication Management?
Medication management combines strategies to improve patient safety when taking medicines. It's integral to healthcare and medication therapy management, helping patients get the most out of their medications.
Medication management is a collaborative effort between:
- Healthcare providers
- Patients
- Caregivers, such as family members or the trained staff in assisted living communities
Healthcare Provider's Roles
Medication management starts with a doctor assessing a patient's need for medicine. For example, suppose a doctor determines that a patient has heart disease. In that case, they may prescribe medications such as anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors, or beta blockers alongside heart health strategies like physical activity and stress management.
When the doctor writes a prescription (Rx), they include relevant details, such as:
- Date of issue
- Name, address, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number of the doctor
- Name, address, and date of birth of the patient
- Name of drug (brand or generic name), dosage form, strength, and quantity
- Directions for use, including when and how to take the medicine (e.g., three times a day, after every meal)
- Number of refills needed
The healthcare professional then discusses all these details with the patients and their caregivers.
Patient's Role
The patient's role in medication management is to:
- Follow all the doctor's instructions on the Rx
- Pay attention to any side effects, especially if it's their first time taking the medicine
- Notify their doctor and caregiver if any adverse effects occur
Caregivers' Role
Some of a caregiver's roles in medication management are similar to those of patients (e.g., following all the directions written in the Rx). However, they have additional duties, which may include:
- Reminding people under their care to take their medicines on time
- Ensuring the individuals under their care are taking the correct medicine with the proper dosage or quantity
- Administering the medicine
- Monitoring for potential side effects
- Coordinating with primary doctors
How Does Medication Management Help Older Adults?
The CDC says that about 10% of adults 45 or older report experiencing worsening memory loss. The agency also noted that in the U.S. alone, about 6.7 million older adults have Alzheimer's disease. Because of their memory issues, they're at risk of poor medication adherence.
Proper medication management can help mitigate those risks and provide the following benefits.
Better Medication Adherence
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), medication adherence means taking medicines as directed. It's vital to maintaining one's health, as it helps optimize the effectiveness of medications. After all, when people take their meds as instructed, their medicines can work as intended.
Conversely, poor medication adherence can result in the following consequences, as the AHA also noted:
- The medications not working or having minimal effects
- Disease progression or worsening
- Increased need for additional medical appointments
- Emergency department visits and hospitalizations
Poor medication adherence can result from a person's memory-related problems.
For example, they may forget to take their medicines on time. Another is if they forgot that they already took their dose for the day, causing them to take another dose. It may also occur when patients who are on multiple medications get confused and take the wrong one.
Since medication management involves medication reminders and oversight from a caregiver, it can help minimize those risks and improve adherence.
Avoiding Adverse Drug Events (ADEs)
ADEs are injuries or harm resulting from the use of medications, usually caused by medication errors. An example is when someone takes a medicine on an empty stomach, even if their doctor instructs them to take it after a meal. In this case, the person may experience discomfort, as some medicines can cause side effects if there's no food in the stomach.
Because medication management is all about taking medicines correctly, then it can help lower the odds of ADEs.
Better Health and Quality of Life
When medications work as intended, they can cure or treat diseases or, at the very least, manage unpleasant symptoms. Their correct use (e.g., taking them after a meal) can also help minimize side effects, letting patients avoid discomfort. With fewer symptoms and side effects ailing them, older adults can feel better, be healthier, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
How Highland Place Senior Living Community Can Help
At the Highland Place Senior Living Community in Inverness, FL, our highly trained and experienced staff provides medication management services. We offer this alongside other personal care services, such as help with bathing, dressing, and housekeeping.
Whether our residents need medication reminders or help taking their medicines, we have them covered. Our goal is to give them the support they need to help them achieve better healthcare management outcomes.
Moreover, our community provides our residents with concierge services. Our friendly concierge staff can assist them in scheduling and arranging transportation for their doctor's visits or if they need pharmacy services.
Highland Place: Simplifying Medication Management for Seniors
Now you know the answer to the question, "What is medication management?" Your next step should be considering whether you or a loved one could benefit from this approach. If so, Highland Place will happily include it in your tailored care plan.
Highland Place is a warm, welcoming, pet-friendly assisted living community in Inverness, FL. In addition to personal care services, we offer numerous amenities, from salon services to quality dining, scheduled transportation, and health and wellness programs.
Connect with us today so you, your loved one, and your pet can come and tour our beautiful senior living community!