Research shows that up to 30% of hospitalizations among older adults can be attributed to medication mismanagement and 88% of the adverse reactions are preventable. "Too often older Americans are taking multiple medications from different doctors without coordination, putting them at risk of medication-related problems that can worsen diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions," said Stever Aubrey, CEO of Dovetail Health, a local Massachusetts company that has partnered with Senior Living Residences to provide comprehensive Medication Assessments for residents.

Senior Living Residences' unique Medication Assessment Program, which is offered to all seniors moving into a Senior Living Residences' community, helps to combat this common problem by conducting a complete medication review which can be shared with family members, as well as all doctors involved in an individual's care.

"Medication awareness and medication management is a natural extension of our commitment to providing service-enriched Assisted Living and Memory Support services that enhance our residents’ independence and quality of life," said Robert Larkin, Principal and Co-Founder of SLR.

Comprehensive Medication Assessment Program

Residents and families meet personally with an experienced clinical pharmacist who provides a thorough evaluation of each resident’s medications - both prescription and over-the-counter. A summary report identifies potential medication conflicts and related safety risks, provides personalized medication charts that families and residents can share with physicians, identifies possible medication-related issues, and suggests particular questions that families may want to pose to physicians.

Gordon Fong, whose father lives at Compass on the Bay, a community in Boston, said, "Our Dovetail Pharmacist took the time to educate me and my father on the uses of the medications, as well as the side effects. The organized full report tailored from my father’s medical history helped to reduce miscommunication and avoid overlapping medications between his different physicians."  

Senior Living Residences works with two local companies whose licensed pharmacists conduct Medication Assessments:

Dovetail Health: Dovetail Health is an innovative home health service that provides high quality health management support and daily health monitoring for seniors, allowing them to stay healthy and happy as long as possible. For more information on Dovetail Health, visit www.dovetailhealth.com or call 866.566.DOVE

Overlook C.A.R.E: Overlook C.A.R.E: is a division of the Masonic Health System of Massachusetts, which has been bringing a better quality of life to generations of people for almost 100 years. Overlook CARE is a group of professional Geriatric Care Managers who all hold a Master’s Degree and are Board Licensed Clinical Social Workers or Nurses, as well as Licensed Pharmacists who conduct medication assessments for seniors. Visit www.masonichealthsystem.org for more information.