Guide To Medication Management For Seniors In Skilled Nursing

Especially as we age, medication plays an important role in managing health conditions, particularly conditions that are chronic. For many of us as we get older, medication routines become more complex. Without proper oversight, these routines can even become dangerous.

In a skilled nursing setting, like at Monument Health, professional medication management is a breeze. We take out all of the guesswork about timing, dosage, type, and more, so you can focus on what’s important, without making a mistake in your medication.

At Monument Health Group, our medication management policies are designed to protect the safety of our residents, ensure accuracy, and promote increased independence. When you don’t have to worry about medication, you and your loved ones can focus on living.  

What Senior Medication Management Entails

Medication management is more than just taking pills on time. For seniors in particular, it requires safe administration, monitoring, documentation, and adjustment of prescribed medications. These policies include making sure the proper medication is administered at the proper time, while monitoring any side effects.

Medication management also entails adjusting medication when necessary. In skilled nursing facilities like ours, all our medical care is overseen by a physician and a team of nurses and support staff. This team can monitor medication effectiveness or ill effects and make changes as necessary.

Medication management for seniors is often complicated by the number of medications seniors are taking and their interactions with one another. Our structured approach is essential to positive outcomes.

Common Medication Challenges For Seniors

The largest challenge for most seniors with their medications is having multiple prescriptions and complex schedules for administering those prescriptions. Memory and cognitive difficulties can also make it difficult for seniors to remember when medications were taken or if they were taken at all. Side effects or drug interactions can also cause problems.

Without professional oversight and skill, these challenges can quickly compromise health and safety.

Risks Of Poor Medication Management At Home

One of the greatest risks of poor medication management at home is missed or doubled doses. This can reduce the effectiveness of medications, cause harmful reactions, and result in all kinds of other problems. When unmonitored at home, new drugs added to a routine can also have adverse reactions that require medical care.

There is also some indication that home medication management increases hospitalizations, and that a significant percentage of hospitalizations are due to poor medication management.

How Monument Health Group Manages Medications In Skilled Nursing

Monument Health Group has developed a precise and compassionate medication management system, informed by best practices, rigorous documentation, and physician oversight. 

In all of our facilities, licensed nurses administer and monitor medications. Staff also ensure accurate tracking and documentation, and we can make prompt adjustments if side effects are to occur.

Perhaps most importantly, our staff is also in coordination with physicians and pharmacies from the health teams of you or your loved ones. We all work together and communicate effectively to ensure the balance of medications is the most up-to-date and optimal for health and longevity.

Skilled Nursing Benefits For Seniors And Their Families

Skilled nursing overall holds multiple benefits for seniors and their families, but when it comes to medication management, our facilities and staff are truly world class.

Skilled nursing offers safety and consistency, peace of mind, and even improved clinical outcomes. You can be certain you or your loved ones will receive medication exactly as prescribed, at appropriate times.

Consistent medical adherence, even with memory problems, can lead to better control and management of symptoms, more independence, and even more longevity. It pays to be exact when it comes to medication for seniors, as well as the general population.

Signs It May Be Time For Professional Medication Support In A Skilled Nursing Setting

It can be hard to know when you or your loved one needs professional help with medication management, but families may want to consider it if:

• Your loved one is regularly missing doses of their medications.
• Your loved one is often taking extra doses of medications.
• The breadth of medications they are taking has become particularly complex.
• Your loved one is having trouble acquiring medication from the pharmacy.
• Your loved one is suffering from noticeable side effects of medications.
• Your loved one has experienced recent hospitalizations due to medication issues.

If you or your loved ones are suffering from any of these issues, it might be time to consider skilled nursing.

Think Monument Health Group For Safety And Independence

For respect, compassion, and individualized care, think of Monument Health Group. We have facilities all over Utah, and welcome your calls and questions.