Medication Management Can be Vital to a Senior’s Health

Many families may be unaware of the extensive care services that assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Santa Fe offer to its residents.  One term that is useful to know is Activities of Daily Living (ADL), which describes the various care services found in an assisted living and memory care community.  These activities typically include dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, etc.  At MorningStar a resident’s care level is determined after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director (a licensed nurse).

One of the care services we offer is medication management by a Certified Med Care Manager.  The cost for this service is factored into a resident’s level of care and is part of their monthly fee.  Our service includes both the ordering and supervised administration of the medications, and we have two price points based on the number and type of prescriptions involved.

For many elderly people, medication management is a very important service.  Statistics show that “many hospitalizations are due to just a few drugs that should be monitored carefully to prevent problems. Blood thinners (such as warfarin), diabetes medications (such as insulin), seizure medications (such as phenytoin), and opioid analgesics are some examples of these medications.”

Forgetting to take prescribed medications, not taking the right dosage or not finishing prescriptions is common among seniors and can lead to serious medical problems.  Knowing a certified MorningStar medication manager is in charge of your loved one’s medications can provide a family with peace of mind. Dominick Bailey, a clinical pharmacist specializing in geriatric care reminds his elderly patients that, “Medications only work if you take them.”  He adds, “If they sit on the shelf, they don’t work.”

If you would like to know more about the newest senior living in Santa Fe, NM, please visit our website for contact information regarding pricing and availability or to set up a tour.   We are conveniently located at the intersection of St. Francis and St. Michael on the city’s west side. With 56 assisted living suites and 29 secure suites devoted to memory care, we offer a range of floorplans including spacious studio and one-and two-bedroom apartments.

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Conveniently located on the west side of town, we invite you to give us a call or visit our website for more on incomparable senior housing in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: cdc.gov/medicationsafety/adult_adversedrugevents.html