Proper medication management is critical for the health of older adults, especially those managing multiple long-term health conditions. It leads to better treatment results and improves the quality of life of older people and those with dementia.
Learn about typical medication challenges among older adults and effective ways to manage these challenges.
Older adults, particularly those managing multiple chronic conditions, often have to manage complex drug regimens. Taking five or more medications (called polypharmacy) is common in this age group. The more medications people take, the more difficult it can be to keep track of the dosing schedules and the higher the risk of side effects and drug interactions.
Cognitive decline, common in aging and dementia, can affect memory and the ability to perform everyday tasks. It can lead to missed, doubled, or incorrectly timed doses. Additionally, side effects such as dizziness, confusion, or gastrointestinal issues can discourage continued use, especially when people are unsure which medication causes the reaction.
One of the most effective ways to manage medications is to stay informed and organized.
Information gathering
It’s critical to maintain an up-to-date
If you care for an older adult or someone with dementia, consider asking for access to their electronic health records. This information lets you monitor prescription changes, dosages, and potential interactions.
At least once each year, review the person’s list of medications with a healthcare professional or pharmacist. They can help identify unnecessary drugs and supplements, adjust dosages, and generally assist in preventing polypharmacy risks.
Working with pharmacists
Pharmacists are essential allies in medication management. Ask about medication therapy management (MTM) services, which involve reviewing all the drugs a person takes. MTM can help improve their outcomes and reduce side effects. Many insurance plans, including Medicare Part D, cover MTM for eligible people.
Ask about medication synchronization. This service coordinates refills so that all prescriptions are ready to pick up on the same day. It reduces trips to the pharmacy and simplifies routines, making it easier to follow a complex medication schedule.
Consult a pharmacist before starting any new OTC drug, supplement, or vitamin. Some common supplements, like ginkgo biloba and St. John’s wort, can interfere with blood thinners, antidepressants, and other prescription drugs.
Many resources are available to help understand various drugs and make them as easy as possible to take.
Medication paperwork
Prescription drugs come with information, often included in the patient package insert (PPI) or medication guide. Try to
Accessible containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels with large print, use braille, or feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio. Some pharmacies also offer high contrast color-coded systems to distinguish different drugs.
If child-resistant caps are difficult to open, the pharmacist may be able to supply medication in easy-open containers. They may also have tips to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container. Just store these safely away from children, preferably in a locked cabinet.
Check whether a pharmacy offers these accessibility features. If it doesn’t, a doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend one that does.
Pill identification
When storing pills outside of their original containers or mixing them, it can be hard to tell what’s what. Use this pill identification tool to find the name and image of an unknown prescription or OTC medication. Start by entering details like pill imprint code, color, and shape.
Tips and tricks
If the person you’re caring for has difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules, some techniques can help. Check out this article for practical tips on how to swallow a pill.
Consider tools such as pill organizers, medication reminders, or smartphone apps to avoid missed doses.
Safe medication storage and usage are critical for overall health and wellness.
Here are a few reminders:
- Store medications in a cool, dry place — not in the bathroom, where heat and moisture can reduce their effectiveness.
- Keep drugs in their original containers. This helps prevent mix-ups and ensures access to essential labeling.
- Check expiration dates regularly and dispose of outdated medications properly. Local pharmacies and law enforcement may offer take-back programs.
- Watch for negative side effects or signs of an interaction, especially when starting a new drug. Common red flags include confusion, a new skin rash, dizziness, or behavior changes.
- Never stop medications abruptly without medical approval. Always talk with the prescribing doctor beforehand, as suddenly stopping a drug can worsen the condition or cause withdrawal symptoms.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.