As we age, the number of medications we may need often increases. It can lead to a variety of challenges when it comes to medication adherence for older adults. From forgetting to take medicines to experiencing side effects that deter them from continuing their treatment, older adults face unique barriers when it comes to following their prescribed medication regimen. This blog post will explore some common challenges older adults face in adhering to their medication schedule and provide tips on overcoming these obstacles.
1. Polypharmacy
One of the primary problems that older adults have is polypharmacy, or the use of multiple drugs at the same time. Many older adults feel confused when trying to manage more than one prescription, often resulting in incorrect dosing of necessary medicine. To combat this, healthcare providers must frequently review their senior patients’ long-term medications and usually simplify that regimen.
Reference:
https://www.webmd.com/drug-medication/what-is-polypharmacy
2. Cognitive Impairment
As we age, it becomes increasingly likely that we will experience some cognitive decline. Because of this, many older adults have a difficult time remembering to take their medications as their healthcare providers told them to. Caregivers can do a lot to help with this. For example, they can help set up a pill organizer and serve as a reminder system for the older adult in their care. Of course, clear communication from the healthcare provider is also crucial.
3. Cost of Medications
For older adults, not being able to follow a medication plan for prescribed drugs is often due to the cost of those drugs. Relatively many older adults live on fixed incomes, which means there is little of an increase in revenue from one year to the next. When something is as outpatient service as a prescription drug service is (in most cases), paying for it becomes an “at-home” issue. Healthcare providers should work with patients to explore options like generic substitutions or assistance programs.
4. Side Effects
As the human body ages, it undergoes various changes that affect metabolism and organ function. Unfortunately, many of these changes also negatively affect how the body responds to medications. These harmful side effects can be so bad that patients must stop taking their medicine, which, of course, raises the likelihood of poorer health outcomes. The responsibility of healthcare providers is, therefore, great:
- Follow up with patients.
- Look for side effects.
- When necessary, adjust the dosage or change the medicine.
5. Lack of Social Support
Another common issue with medication adherence among older adults is loneliness and a lack of a solid emotional support system. For many older adults, especially those living alone, simply having someone they can count on to provide them with a bit of encouragement or act as a reminder to take their medication at the right time can make all the difference. It is often the case that family members, friends, or caregivers can be that kind of reliable presence when it comes to the life-or-death stakes of medication adherence.
Final Thoughts
Medication adherence is crucial for maintaining health and managing chronic conditions in older adults. By understanding their challenges and providing support where needed, healthcare providers can help improve medication adherence rates among this population. Encouraging open communication, simplifying medication regimens, addressing financial barriers, monitoring for side effects, and providing social support are all essential strategies to help older adults manage their medications and improve their overall well-being.