Book chapter
Medication Management Issues in the Older Adult Patient
A Comprehensive Guide to Safety and Aging, pp 51-67
2023
Abstract
Older adult patients have unique anatomic and physiologic differences when compared to younger adults, and this may greatly impact both the benefits and risks associated with the use of medications in this population. Multi-morbidities in older adults may result in polypharmacy which further increases the potential for morbidities and mortality associated with medications. This chapter examines some of the unique ways that medications affect our older patients, as well as some ways to decrease risk and improve care.
This chapter examines some of the unique ways that medications affect the older patients, as well as some ways to decrease risk and improve care. Sometimes, polypharmacy results in a reduced adherence of medications or inappropriate use of medications. Regular medication review, multidisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration, and patient and caregiver involvement and education are effective ways to keep patients safe. Medicare is difficult to understand for older adult patients, their caregivers, and, frankly, the prescribers and pharmacists who must work within its parameters and guidelines. Older adults may also choose to purchase Part D (drug coverage) plans and Medigap coverage. Part D coverage includes prescription drugs and vaccines. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a newer Medicare plan that is an "all-in-one" plan that bundles Parts A and B and usually Part D. The costs for each Medicare plan vary, sometimes greatly and change yearly, so older adults are encouraged to research and educate themselves on each of the plans.
Metrics
11 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Medication Management Issues in the Older Adult Patient
- Creators
- Tracy Offerdahl-McGowan - Salus UniversityMarvin Pathrose - Salus University
- Contributors
- Robert Wolf (Editor)Barry S. Eckert (Editor)Amy R. Ehrlich (Editor) - Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Publication Details
- A Comprehensive Guide to Safety and Aging, pp 51-67
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Edition
- 1st
- Number of pages
- 17
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO)
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85167742487
- Other Identifier
- 991022064978804721