Older adults often take multiple medications prescribed by different healthcare providers.

Conducting a comprehensive medication review involves assessing all medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements, to identify potential drug interactions, duplications, or inappropriate medications.

This process helps optimise the medication regimen by removing unnecessary or harmful drugs.

Each older adult is unique, with varying health conditions and treatment goals.

Medication optimisation involves tailoring the medication regimen to the individual’s specific needs, considering their medical history, chronic conditions, cognitive function, and preferences.

Personalised care ensures that medications are chosen and dosed appropriately for the elderly patient.

Polypharmacy (the use of multiple medications) is common in the elderly and can increase the risk of adverse effects and medication errors.

Simplifying the medication regimen by reducing the number of medications and consolidating doses can improve adherence and reduce the likelihood of medication-related problems.

Older adults may be more susceptible to certain side effects and adverse reactions due to age-related changes in their bodies.

Geriatric-specific considerations include adjusting medication doses based on kidney function, avoiding medications with anticholinergic properties that can cause cognitive impairment, and monitoring for drug-drug interactions and potential falls risk.

Elderly individuals should receive regular monitoring to assess the effectiveness and safety of their medications.

This includes monitoring for any adverse effects, evaluating treatment goals, and adjusting medications as needed.

Follow-up appointments with healthcare providers allow for ongoing assessment and optimisation of the medication regimen.

Effective communication among healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers is crucial for medication optimisation.

This includes sharing accurate and up-to-date medication information, discussing treatment options and potential risks, and addressing any concerns or questions.