Medicines and Older People

• Understand that the aging process can affect the medication needs of the older person

• Know how to make administration of medicines easier for older people

• Understand how to provide support for Older people

What changes do you often see in the older people that can affect their ability to take their medicines?

• Eye sight –difficulty/inability to read label• Hearing – didn’t hear what the doctor said • Memory loss – forget whether they have

taken medication, or what was said about it

• Dry mouth – not as easy to swallow or chew chalky tablets

• Dexterity – can’t open bottles

Changes in the Body

• Kidneys and liver – metabolism / excretion of medicines

• Increased side-effects• Constipation and bladder weakness• Heart• Diabetes – loss of feeling in extremities• Arthritis – dexterity problems – eye

dropper aids• Reduced immune system

Depression

• Withdrawal from society

• Loss of loved ones

• Isolation

• May need reminded to care for themselves and to take their medication

Constipation and Bladder problems• Encourage mobility and exercise where

possible• Encourage adequate fluid intake –

reassure if bladder weakness is a problem• Laxatives should be reviewed regularly –

over-use can make it worse.

Activity 24

Page 67 of workbook

Falls

• Risk of falls in the elderly is higher• Medication – refer to pharmacist if

dizziness is a side effect• Gait – refer to GP for Physio

assessment if help is needed• Risk of broken bones• Alcohol risks

What are Compliance Aids?

Special grippers to help open bottles

Magnifying glasses or large print labels

Aids for eye drops and inhalers MDS ( Dosette) box

Activity 25

Page 69 of workbook

MCQ’s

What happens next?

Evaluation of training to be completed before you leave and handed to trainer.

• Your supervisor will arrange for a competency assessment to be carried out in your workplace.