Approximately 20% of seniors are using about 50 prescriptions every year! Keeping up with multiple medications can be a challenge, especially when certain prescriptions must be taken at specific times during the day. This task can be even more daunting for a senior who has vision or memory impairment. The rate of noncompliance is even higher in patients with chronic illnesses. This is because the drug regimens for these patients are often long-term and complex, and alter existing behavioral patterns.
We have compiled some eye-opening statistics and facts regarding medication compliance in our elderly population.
The Surprising Data
- Approximately 125,000 people with treatable ailments die each year in the US because they do not take their medication properly.
- 60% of all patients cannot identify their own medications.
- 85% of people 65 and older on three or more medications are mismanaging their prescriptions. When you increase that number to five or more, the amount of people who don’t take the correct medication climbs to nearly 100%.
- Thirty to 50% of all patients ignore or otherwise compromise instructions concerning their medication.
- Approximately 25% of all nursing home admissions are related to improper self-administration of medicine.
- 12% to 20% of patients take other people's medicines.
- Hospital costs due to patient noncompliance are estimated at $8.5 billion annually.
- Medication non-compliance costs the U.S. healthcare system $100 billion each year.
Behaviors which Lead to Non-Compliance
- Failure to take medication: This includes forgetting or skipping doses, premature termination of therapy, and ineffective methods of taking medications.
- A reluctance to spend money on prescriptions (for seniors on a fixed income).
- Feeling that medications can be stopped when symptoms disappear, without realizing that the underlying illness is still present.
- Taking too much medication: Some patients, hoping for additional benefit, increase the number of doses or the amount taken each time, incorrectly assuming that if some is good, more must be better.
- Taking a drug for the wrong reason: This may arise from confusion about the purpose of using a drug, particularly if several drugs are being used.
- Improper timing of drug administration is more likely to occur if the medical regimen is complex: the administration of numerous medications at frequent or unusual times during the day.
[Source: Wertheimer, Albert I. “Medication Compliance: Still Far to Go.” The Journal of Applied Research.]
What can be done?
It is important to review your medication regimen with your pharmacist and doctor on a regular basis. Talk with these professionals about new medications and ask questions. For seniors who often see multiple doctors, the pharmacy should become a central point of care where potential drug interactions can be addressed and avoided. It is crucial that we recognize medication non-compliance as a major issue and take proactive and preventative steps. Non-compliance can lead to unwanted outcomes such as hospitalization, disease progression, development of complications and sadly, even death.
A Simple Solution…
Direct Link’s automated medication dispenser can help simplify medication management, giving peace of mind and maximizing independence.
The unit utilizes user-friendly microchip technology to dispense multiple medications at preset times and alert the client and/or their loved ones if the medication is not taken. Direct Link is compatible with digital cable/VoIP phone service and is AC-operated with a 72-hour rechargeable battery back-up for travel or power failures.
Direct Link’s automated medication dispenser is a simple, affordable and reliable solution to managing multiple medications. For more information, visit www.DirectLink911.com, or contact the Home Helpers office near you at 1 (877) 464-9090.
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About Home Helpers
Home Helpers is the premier provider of in-home, non-medical and personal care and companionship for seniors, people coping with a lifelong illness or disability, and those recuperating from a recent surgery or hospitalization. Home Helpers is an agency, not a registry. We employ caregivers who are thoroughly screened using our exclusive Care Check System™. By utilizing our Client & Caregiver Matching System™, we ensure the best caregiver selection. We are committed to the delivery of a positive home care experience for your family.
We don’t just take care of our clients, we plan for them, using our comprehensive and customized Home Helpers Total Care Plan™. Home Helpers is proactive, not reactive, and offers a flexible, affordable continuum of care that changes as our clients’ needs change. We tailor our care plans to our clients’ unique needs and tap our extensive network of referral resources relevant to every aspect of care.
From occasional visits to respite to hospice care, the team at Home Helpers is with you every step of the way, providing guidance, reassurance and compassionate care always.
To learn how we can put together a Total Care Plan™, including helping with a continuum of care plan for you or your loved one, call us at (877) 464-9090 or learn more online.