Due to better medical care, improved technology, and new or better treatments, people are now living longer lives. People are able to survive with worsening health and medical conditions often requiring treatment with numerous medications. While these medications help older adults live longer healthier and happier lives, the medications must be taken as prescribed to be effective. Non-adherence in the elderly with medication compliance is a common problem.

There are numerous barriers to medication non-adherence in the elderly, including memory deficits and forgetfulness resulting in the patient not remembering to take their medication. There are several ideas to help someone remember to take their medication every day:

• Create a routine by taking medication with an activity that is done at the same time every day such as mealtimes or brushing teeth.

• Keep it visible to avoid "out of sight, out of mind" by leaving the medication in a safe place that is easy to spot such as the kitchen or bathroom counter or on the bedroom nightstand.

• Set an alarm on a cellphone or watch with a reminder to take prescribed medication.

• Use a pill box with compartments for each day to be used as a visual reminder.

• Flip the pill bottle over each time the medication is taken to show it has been done.

• Record each dose on the calendar to know that the medication has been taken.

• Have medications delivered to the home in pill packets for each dose.

Other barriers that may add to medication non-adherence include denial of the problem. Many diseases and conditions are easy to ignore if no symptoms are present. Such as with hypertension, most of the time symptoms do not restrict everyday life so it becomes easy to ignore. Medication costs are also a significant barrier, and this should be discussed with the prescriber so they can find other cost-effective medications or assist with a discount card. Unpleasant outcomes or side effects are another factor to consider as a barrier to medication non-adherence. Patients may be reluctant to take medications after reading or experiencing unpleasant side effects. The provider or pharmacist should be contacted to discuss these concerns and find a solution.

Other helpful ideas to help manage medications are keeping an up-to-date medication list with all prescribers listed, understand all the medications that are being taken, talk to the prescriber and pharmacist about any questions regarding medications, interactions, or side effects. Patients are often hesitant to admit to providers that they are nonadherent due to being fearful of getting reprimanded, not getting medications prescribed that they need, or being discharged from a practice. However, this is something that needs to be discussed at every appointment with prescribers. If you are having difficulty managing your medications, please talk to your prescriber about solutions to help.

If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, or any other mental health-related issues please contact Transitions Outpatient Behavioral Health at 501-622-3580 for assistance.

Print Headline: Managing your medications

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