About The Elderly Forgetting To Take Medications

According to a survey by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, approximately one-third of older adults take eight or more medications each day. Medication management is a challenge for adults of all ages, but for the elderly, physical limitations can make it particularly challenging to take medicine according to a set schedule. When a person forgets to take a pill at the prescribed time, it is a good idea to consult with a pharmacist before adjusting the dosage on one's own.

Significance

In order to be effective, both prescription and over-the-counter drugs should be taken according to a physician's instructions. Failure to comply with the timing and dosage of prescription medications is closely related to drug interactions and serious side effects. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a report in the journal "Hypertension" found people over the age of 65 were more likely to forget to take medications for symptom-free conditions than for diseases with obvious symptoms.

Reasons

Although older adults often understand why they are taking their medications, unexpected side effects sometimes cause them to discontinue or "forget" to take their pills without discussing their concerns with their doctors. Others may not understand the purpose of the medicine or the consequences of not taking it as prescribed. Memory problems and depression may also contribute to forgetfulness. However, recent findings reported by Science Daily indicate older adults are more inclined to forget to take their medication on days when their schedule is more hectic than normal.

Considerations

Older adults who take several medications may have difficulty remembering which medicine is for which particular ailment. Although it is not uncommon for people to discontinue medicine when symptoms improve, it is particularly important for the elderly patient to comply with their doctor's orders. Older adults in particular should take advantage of the services offered by the local pharmacy, most of which offer additional information about medications, possible side effects and interactions, and provide follow-up consultations and reminders to refill prescribed medications.

Consequences

Forgetting to take medications can not only delay recovery, but can worsen the symptoms of an existing disease or even result in death. Most drug manufacturers issue stringent guidelines as to the dosage and the frequency that medicines must be taken, and warn of the dangers of failure to comply to manufacturer recommendations. According to the British Pharmacological Society, more than 80 percent of hospitalizations for adverse drug reactions in the elderly population are dose-related.

Recommendations

A detailed medication plan that lists the name, dosage and reason for taking each medication will help to maintain a consistent medication schedule. FamilyDoctor.org recommends that medications be kept in a central location to help maintain a regular medication routine. Pill organizer boxes--some of which have visual and audible reminders--can be pre-filled for a week or more. Senior centers and local government support services may be able to recommend a medication reminder service that places daily phone calls with special instructions regarding the type of medication and time of day each pill should be taken.