According to the American Society of Consulting Pharmacists and The American Society on Aging, through their collaboration called Adult Meducation:
“Medications are arguably the single most important health care technology to prevent illness, disability, and death in the older population. Of all age groups, older persons with chronic diseases and conditions benefit the most from taking medications, and risk the most from failing to take them properly.”
However, medication adherence is difficult for many older adults, especially if they suffer from memory loss, vision problems, hearing deficits, or don’t have convenient transportation options. Transitions between care settings create additional challenges.
The Adult Meducation project reports that “if medication nonadherence were a disease, it could be termed an 'epidemic.' Medication nonadherence accounts for more than 10% of older adult hospital admissions, nearly one-fourth of nursing home admissions, and 20% of preventable adverse drug events among older persons in the ambulatory setting. It is estimated that medication nonadherence results in 125,000 deaths annually, and costs the US health care system $100 billion per year.”
Next Steps
Contact Care is There Geriatric Care Management today for a free consultation!
Charlottesville Area: 434.326.5323
Shenandoah Valley: 540. 246.0211
Toll Free: 800.434.1633
Email: Info@CareisThere.com
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