According to the NIH, what is a leading cause of preventable hospitalization in older adults?

✓ Accepted answer

According to the NIH, medication-related issues are a leading cause of preventable hospitalization in older adults.

1. Understand the Risk of Polypharmacy
Nearly 40% of older adults take five or more medications daily, a practice known as polypharmacy. This complexity significantly increases the risk of errors and adverse effects. Keeping a simple, up-to-date medication list is the first step in managing this risk.

• 2. Schedule Regular Reviews
  Encourage family members to request a medication review at least annually with a healthcare provider or pharmacist. This helps identify unnecessary drugs, look-alike packaging, and harmful interactions.
• 3. Simplify Routines with Technology
  Utilise medication reminders, pill organisers, or apps to prevent missed doses or double-dosing. Setting alarms for specific times of day can combat memory loss and confusion.
• 4. Prioritise Clear Communication
  Ensure the senior and their caregivers communicate openly with multiple prescribers. This reduces the chance of conflicting treatments when managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or arthritis.

5. Create a Safe Home Environment
Store medications in visible, labelled locations to reduce confusion. Regularly discard expired or unused pills, ideally using a community medicine take-back service for safe disposal.

admin · 2026-10-12 09:43:48