Medication Management Practices in Senior Living Communities

This guide examines the current landscape and challenges faced by senior living communities in managing and administering medications. It highlights the results of a survey conducted among health and wellness directors and other key personnel within various assisted living settings across the United States. The survey aimed to identify the difficulties these communities encounter in medication management, including communication breakdowns among care teams, high rates of preventable medication errors, and the impact of staffing shortages. The document outlines the significant increase in polypharmacy among seniors and the associated risks of adverse drug events, which lead to hospitalizations. Additionally, it discusses the types of pharmacies utilized by residents and the importance of integrating medication management processes to enhance safety and efficiency. The findings emphasize the need for improved communication and collaboration between healthcare providers, pharmacies, and wellness teams to ensure better outcomes for residents. The guide concludes with recommendations for integrating medication management systems to address these challenges effectively.