As the United States’ senior population continues to grow, so does the number of people taking medication to manage chronic conditions. According to the National Council on Aging, 80% of older Americans have at least one chronic condition and 68% have at least two. As a result, one-third of adults between the ages of 57 and 85 take at least five prescription drugs and some patients may take more than 20, according to an ABC report from 2011. It is challenging to keep track of which treatment combats which ailment and the proper dose for each. Mismanagement of these complex regimens may create stress for family caregivers who are concerned about whether their loved one is taking medication correctly and can threaten seniors’ ability to age in place. Connected technology can help take the guesswork out of managing medications so seniors can follow doctors’ orders correctly, supporting prolonged independent living. Taking medications should be a simple habit, not an intricate calendar of pills and doses. There are tools health care professionals and caregivers can use to ensure this is the reality for the senior population, because the ironic truth is medications that older adults take to improve on their quality of life could in fact make them less healthy when taken improperly—and even increase their fall risk. As we work to manage seniors’ complex health needs from the comfort of home, connected adherence solutions can help them stay on track and facilitate the delivery of proactive care coordination that involves all members of their care team. If adherence levels increase, health care systems will see fewer unnecessary trips to the hospital—ultimately driving cost savings and improving outcomes.
