Medication Management

A study I recently read reported that home health nurses found errors in the medications elderly persons were taking at home in 34% of the clients they visited. That statistic made me wonder how many hospitalizations could be avoided and how many elderly persons could remain in their homes longer if supported in their medication routines. Medicare demands this review and covers this assessment when skilled nursing services are needed in the home, but many older or disabled persons not in need of skilled care may also benefit from assistance with their medication management. In serving home health patients I often saw chaotic counters filled with old prescriptions mixed with new and little understanding of what they were for. Along with the prescriptions were nutritional products taken without a pharmacy review for interactions.

Are you overwhelmed by the many medications you are on? Do you forget to take them from time to time? (I do without a system!) Do you have a loved one about whom you are concerned but your distance away prohibits regular visits?

A typical first visit for medication management would allow generous time (up to 2 hrs) for initiating a relationship of trust and conducting a general home safety assessment. Medication accuracy would subsequently be confirmed by prescribing physicians. Any concerns or suggestions would then be discussed with you and a recommendation for the most suitable medication box or system and frequency of visits would be made.