technology can play a big role in minimiz- ing mistakes and improving medication management. Not only are there innova- tions like compliance packaging of individ- ual pouches for administering, Worz said as more medical records are stored on the cloud, systems will be able to talk with each other. “This oversight will make it easier to catch any duplicate prescriptions, for exam- ple when a doctor and hospital prescribe the same drug but with a different name.” ECP can be configured to automatically


relay status changes and census updates, Baumeister said. Other benefits include alerts for missed or overdue charting and follow-ups, audit methods to review missed or refused medications and PRNs, roadblocks when medications are being administered too soon, inventory tracking, automated reordering, and the ability to closely monitor and count narcotics. Pharmacy providers for senior living


wasn’t even on the radar 10 years ago, Avdiu said. “But that’s our focus, with resources, technology, and automation to supply oper- ators and integrate with their EHR systems. And we tailor the process to the operator. Whether they’re independent or growing in multiple states, we can help them scale where needed while keeping quality.”


Consistency is harder to achieve when mul-


tiple pharmacies with different packaging and procedures serve assisted living residents, Deas said. “Using one pharmacy with oversight from a central place makes it simpler and safer. [Communities] can’t require but they can en- courage their residents and families to use one pharmacy, which can reduce risk. It can also help prevent errors as a go-between for multi- ple physicians writing multiple prescriptions.”


Making medication management easier in senior living For communities wanting to improve their process and lower risk, Baumeister rec- ommended they embrace technology and utilize an eMAR or EHR system, commu- nicate with all parties involved, and provide education often to teach and refresh staff on regulations. “There’s less chance of error when expectations are clearly addressed.” “Electronic systems like eMARs and


EHRs are a must. Paper MARS can’t alert staff members when there’s overdue or missed medications. And accidental over-ad- ministering can happen when there isn’t a roadblock to tell you a pain medication is being given too soon,” Baumeister said. Other advice includes adding another point of view for owners. “I would urge op-


erators to not view senior living only from a lifestyle or residential model but under- stand this is increasingly becoming a health care-based decision for residents and their families,” Avdiu said. “When a community looks at its declining census and thinks it’s because there are two or three new build- ings nearby, that may not be the case. Sons and daughters want clean and modern space, but it’s really about the best care for mom and dad. Chandeliers are nice, but they want and need more.”


Management in the future Medication management is vital, especially for older adults who are prescribed multiple drugs that result in a higher chance of com- pounding toxicity, Baumeister said. “In fact, it’s safe to assume any new problem might be a result of a recent medication change, especially if a higher number of medica- tions are being administered.” But there’s also prescribing or admin-


istration errors, along with a person’s own prescription adherence and specific physiol- ogy. Which together may explain why med- ication-related problems are estimated to be one of the top five causes of death for those over the age of 65, as well as a major cause of confusion, depression, falls, disability, and loss of independence, according to the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. Understanding and responding to the


complexities of drug therapy will require a team effort. People are becoming more educated with easier access to information but there’s still room to improve, Deas said. “We also need to make sure they’re correct- ly informed because not all the information out there is accurate.” As communities ready for the future,


A Medication Management Partners pharmacy includes customer service and data entry teams, automation and inventory, and dispensing and pharmacist teams preparing and dispensing prescription orders for senior living residents and communities.


continuing improvements in medication management will make a difference—and so will those residing in senior living. “Baby boomers are consumers and they ask ques- tions. They want to know the purpose of a medication, how long they’ll need to take it, and any side effects,” said Worz. “We’re moving past the generation who listened to whatever the doctor said and did so without questioning.”


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