VINE’s Medication Management Program educates older adults and caregivers about the benefits and risks associated with medication use. This is done through educational presentations to groups and one-on-one medication consultations with a local pharmacist.
Medicines can help us live longer and improve the quality of our lives, but they also carry risks. Nearly 20% of older adults UNINTENTIONALLY misuse medicines. Listed below are four ways to prevent this:
1. Create a medication record.
Make sure you:
1. Include ALL medicines: prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, and “natural” remedies.
2. Share it with all health care providers.
3. Update it every time you start, stop, or change a medicine.
4. Keep the record with you.
5. Let a friend or family member know where it is located.
(Contact Karen at the Summit Center for a free medication record, or download here.)
2. Create a system for taking your medicines.
There are many different strategies that remind you to take your medications, including:
- Create a daily list of your medicines and the time you take them
- Create a calendar with your medicines listed on each day
- Turn over the pill bottle after taking the medicine
- Use an event (like breakfast) or a certain time of the day
- Use a pillbox
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are having a difficult time complying with your medication schedule.
(Contact Karen at Summit Center, 345-5262 to receive a free pillbox.)
3. Schedule a yearly one-on-one “medication check up.”
This is especially important if you take three or more medicines. This can be done by your primary physician or your pharmacist.
Contact VINE (387-1666) if you need assistance in doing this. We can arrange to have a pharmacist meet with you and review your medications.
4. Monitor how you feel.
If you don’t “feel right” after taking a medication, jot down what you experience, the time of day, and then call your doctor or pharmacist.
If you think you are experiencing a life-threatening reaction, call 911.
For more information on medication safety and other medication-related topics, you may find the following websites useful:
MedlinePlus
Reliable information about medications and other health-related topics:
RxConnect
You can also call the Senior LinkAge Line to inquire about RxConnect: 1-800-333-2433
Educate Before You Medicate
Information for consumers so they can make informed decisions about their use of medicines and can work effectively with their health care professionals:
The Medication Management Program provides services to older adults in Blue Earth, Nicollet, Brown, Watonwan and Le Sueur Counties and is funded by a Federal grant from the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging.
If you would like more information about our Medication Management Program, would like a pharmacist to talk to your group, or would like to schedule a one-on-one medication check-up with a pharmacist, contact Karen Christy at Summit Center 507-345-5262 or karenchristy@vinevolunteers.com.
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