On a recent morning at a senior housing complex, while conducting a presentation on the dangers multiple prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can cause, Jolynn Officer asked the dozen or so residents in attendance how many took at least one prescription drug.
It was really no surprise that every hand in the room quickly shot up. After all, advances in health care equate to longer life expectancy, but sometimes at a cost. An ever-increasing portion of our aging population is dealing with multiple illnesses or medical conditions, meaning they typically take numerous medications.
It wasn’t until the number hit three that hands started going down. After six or so, a couple of hands remained raised, but by then Officer had made her point. A registered nurse with A Better Life Homecare, Officer frequently conducts these types of presentations and is never surprised by the number of seniors who take multiple medications.
“Polypharmacy is the main medication safety issue for seniors,” she said.