Medication management programs include the physician, a licensed pharmacist, and other licensed health care professionals working together to prescribe, manage, and monitor medications, along with helping to manage the effects of medications. However, even when all the necessary precautions are taken, some medications can have an unfavorable effect due the aging process.

• The average number of medication orders per resident in long-term care facilities is 8.9.
• Individuals over the age of 65 are at risk for drug-related problems due to the number of medications taken and the biological changes that accompany aging.
• Because of age-related changes, many drugs tend to stay in an elderly person’s body much longer, prolonging the drug’s effect and increasing the risk of side effects.
• Many elderly individuals do not take medications as directed by their physician.
• Side effects usually seen in elderly individuals include confusion, blurred vision, constipation, dry mouth, light-headedness, and difficulty with urination or loss of bowel control.

Risk Factors Associated with Medication Usage

• Age
• Side effects of medications
• Non-compliance with medication regimen
• Dementia
• Visual impairments
• Hearing impairments
• Multiple medications