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Medications

Age-related changes can increase the chances of side effects from medications. The health team can monitor all medications, decide if medications are still necessary, and ensure older adults’ medications do not interfere with What Matters, Mentation, or Mobility.

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Deprescribe or do not prescribe high-risk meds, considering what matters most.

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Based on a representative sampling of 2206 community dwelling older adults:​

  • 87% use at least one prescription medication​

  • 36% use ≥ 5 prescription medications​

In a sample of Medicare beneficiaries discharged from an acute care hospital to a SNF:

  • Average number of medications prescribed= 14​

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What can HealthCARE TEAMS do?

  1. Review medication list to make sure each medication is necessary.​

  2. Minimize Potentially inappropriate high risk meds such as:​

  • Benzodiazepines​

  • Opioids​

  • Highly-anticholinergic medications (e.g., diphenhydramine)​

  • All prescription and over-the-counter sedatives and sleep medications​

  • Muscle relaxants​

  • Tricyclic antidepressants​

  • Antipsychotics​

Medication Resources

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American Geriatrics Society 2019 Updated AGS Beers Criteria® for Potentially Inappropriate  Medication Use in Older Adults Access​​

Alternative Medications List

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