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Medication Management

Evidence-based prevention programs are interventions that are based on evidence that is generated by scientific studies published in peer-reviewed journals. One source of such evidence includes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) sponsored research. As a result of several studies, there is now evidence documenting the effectiveness of risk factor interventions related to medication management.

There is evidence that community based programs to limit medication errors for elders yield positive results. Inappropriate medication usage by community dwelling elderly persons has been documented between 12% and 40%. Errors in medications are ranked as the fourth leading cause of death for people over the age of 65.

The Medication Management Program is a federally funded program under Title IIID of the Older Americans Act. Funds are distributed to local Area Agencies on Aging who use the funds to provide a wide variety of services and information at multipurpose senior centers, at congregate meal sites, through home delivered meal programs and at other appropriate sites.

The purpose of the Medication Management Program is to improve the quality of life for older adults and prevent premature institutionalization by working with them to manage their use of over the counter and prescription medications, vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements.

The following are examples of activities that are provided:

• Pharmacists or Pharmacy students give presentations on how seniors can manage their medications, drug-nutrient interactions, and supplements. The presentation may include a personalized medication review to identify expired medication, answer client questions, and counsel seniors to assure they understand, are following directions, and taking medications properly. The Pharmacists also encourage seniors to communicate with their doctors so they will be better informed of what medicines are being prescribed, why, and what results and/or side effects to expect.
• Partnerships with community based organizations to provide "Rx Check Up" clinics.
• Distribution of passport size books for seniors to keep records of health and medications. Seniors can take the books with them to share with their doctors and pharmacist.
• Distribution of brochures related to medication management.
• Distribution of pill minders in various languages to help seniors manage their prescriptions.
• Information provided at Senior Health Fairs, through an Info Van, and through the Information and Assistance Program.
• Automated medication dispensers for frail/blind clients in the home.

The target population for this program are individuals who are aged 60 years and over; who are aged 60 years and over who live in an area of greatest economic need; who are aged 60 years and over living in a medically underserved area of the region; who are aged 60 and over with chronic medical conditions that can improve with education and non-medical intervention.

Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to determine what services are available in your community.

Related Links:

Medline Plus