Taking multiple medications to manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or arthritis, becomes a higher priority later in life. While medication can improve quality of life, it also comes with risks, especially when not taken as prescribed. Medication errors, such as taking the wrong dose or mixing incompatible drugs, can lead to serious health consequences, including hospitalisation, disability, and even death.
Red flags
Medication errors remain a significant concern in Australia, particularly among the elderly population. A 2022 World Patient Safety Day report prepared by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia revealed that medication errors and related problems resulted in at least 250,000 Australians being confined every year and another 400,000 people sent to the emergency department for flaps in medication. Another aspect of the report also pinned 72,500 people living in either rural or regional Australia as being confined every year due to medication problems plus another three million rural/regional Aussies not taking medication or not following prescriptions.
In a UniWA study in 2022, researchers Prof Christopher Etherton-Beer and Dr Amy Page collated data indicating the danger of less-than-optimised prescriptions. Information from 17 aged-care centres across Australia found that 302 of 303 residents did not have all the prescription medicines administered every day. Even if all medicines in a resident’s medication plan were available, 92 per cent of residents were served as much as 15 dosages a day.
Medication management can also improve medication adherence, which is a major challenge for seniors. The World Health Organisation stated that medication non-adherence is a major public health problem, with multiple countries plagued by high rates of errors; a UK report even identified 38 per cent of people at least 75 years old being affected by prescription and monitoring problems over a single calendar year. Non-adherence can lead to treatment failure, disease progression, and reduced quality of life. With medication management, caregivers can help seniors remember to take their medications, understand the purpose and potential side effects of their medications, and communicate with healthcare providers about any concerns or questions they may have.
Medication management is an essential aspect of home care for seniors, as it can help to ensure that the drugs are taken safely and effectively. Home care support providers in Australia offer medication management services to seniors who need help with their medication regimen.
Medication Control
Here are some tips for seniors who need to properly handle their meds:
Create a medication list
Keep a list of all medications, including the name, dosage, frequency, and purpose. This list should be shared with all healthcare providers and caregivers.
Use a pillbox/medication management system
Pillboxes can help seniors organise their medications by day and time, reducing the risk of missed doses. Some pillboxes are available as automatic dispensers, with programmable times to provide the medicine as needed, especially when the doctor sets the ingestion at certain intervals. They can also alert caregivers if a dose is missed
Set reminders
Use alarms, timers, or mobile apps to remind seniors to take their medications on time.
Medications in their original packaging
This helps ensure that the medication is stored properly and that the expiration date is visible. It is particularly evident in certain prescription drugs where it may be explicitly stated that you cannot store all contents of the medicine in separate containers. If you are travelling to or out of Australia with a set of prescription medicines, the Office of Drug Control and the Australian Border Force recommends that they are still in their original packaging along with your doctor’s prescription sheet attached, and they are for your personal consumption only.
Review medications regularly
Seniors should have their medications reviewed by their healthcare provider regularly, to ensure that they are taking the correct medicines and at the appropriate dosage.
Involve caregivers
Family members or professional caregivers can assist with medication management, including administration, tracking, and communication with healthcare providers, especially the GP.
Benefits
Medication management can provide numerous benefits for seniors, including:
Improved safety
Proper medication management can help prevent medication errors, such as missed doses, incorrect dosages, or drug interactions. This can reduce the risk of adverse effects and hospitalisations.
Increased adherence
Seniors who receive medication management support are more likely to adhere to their medication schedules, which can improve treatment outcomes and quality of life. A later medical checkup may help the doctor decide if a senior patient may be recommended for a more limited dosage or a full weaning off prescribed medicines once conditions improved.
For example, let’s look at a senior patient with high depression or schizophrenia who was prescribed clonazepam, fluoxetine, aripiprazole, olanzapine, and biperiden. If there has been significant progress in the counselling and treatment, a psychiatrist may recommend finishing up all stocks of those medicines they have and not go back to the pharmacy for refills.
Simplified medication regimen
For seniors who take multiple medications, medication management can help simplify their medication regimen, making it easier to manage their health.
Enhanced communication
Medication management often involves close collaboration between healthcare providers, caregivers, and the patient, which can improve communication and facilitate better care coordination.
Peace of mind
For both seniors and their families, medication management can provide peace of mind, knowing that medications are being properly administered and monitored.
Support options
For seniors who need assistance with medication management, there are several home care support options available in Australia. These may include in-home care, where a caregiver comes to the senior’s home to provide medication management services, or residential care, where a senior lives in a care facility that provides medication management services. Depending on the senior’s needs, medication management may be covered by government-subsidised programmes, private insurance, or out-of-pocket payments.
Medications like supplements are often a critical element to preserving a senior’s health. Medication management is an important aspect of home care for seniors, as it can improve safety, adherence, and overall health outcomes. With the help of a caregiver, seniors can ensure that they take the right dosage at the right time, and communicate with healthcare providers about any concerns or questions they may have.
For seniors with mental health issues, please call Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 46 36), or MindSpot (1800 61 44 34).
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage
One option for financing medication management services is a reverse mortgage, a loan that allows seniors to access the equity in their homes without having to sell or move out. With a reverse mortgage like the A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage, seniors can use the funds to pay for in-home care programmes, including medication management services. This can be a helpful option for seniors who want to age in place and maintain their independence while receiving the care they need.
Please call the A.S.A.G. at 1300 002 724 or email to info@asagfirst.com.au to explore your funding options for a medication management programme.
Use our equity assessment tool below to determine the equity for your loan.