Innovative Partnership Boosts Medication Safety for Older Australians and Those Facing complex Health Conditions
For dedicated caregivers across Australia who are responsible for managing the medications of their loved ones, ensuring safety and effectiveness can be a daunting task. However, a new collaboration between two prominent healthcare organizations is poised to simplify and enhance this crucial aspect of care.
MedicAlert Foundation Australia and Home Medication Reviews (HMR) Referrals have united forces to address a significant gap in medication safety for Australians residing in the community. This partnership is particularly timely, as recent data reveals that only 6.5% of elderly Australians living at home receive medication reviews, in stark contrast to the 65% of those in aged care facilities who undergo such evaluations.
The statistics surrounding medication management for older Australians are alarming: one in two individuals aged 65 and above take five or more medications daily, increasing their risk of adverse drug reactions by 88%. Even more concerning is the fact that over 500,000 vulnerable elderly Australians have not received the necessary medication reviews in the past year.
What This Partnership Means for Caregivers
The partnership between MedicAlert and HMR Referrals offers a range of practical benefits for those who care for their loved ones:
- Improved Access to Home Medication Reviews (HMRs): Caregivers can now easily access HMR services through their MedicAlert membership, ensuring that their loved ones’ medication regimens are safe and appropriate.
- Enhanced Emergency Response: Clients referred for HMRs will have access to MedicAlert’s 24/7 emergency response service and medical identification products, providing caregivers with added peace of mind.
- Enhanced Coordination of Care: The partnership is designed to bridge the gap between emergency identification and day-to-day medication management, promoting a more integrated approach to healthcare safety for caregivers and their loved ones.
Initiating Steps
If you are responsible for the care of a loved one who is taking multiple medications, it is important to take the following steps:
- Reach out to HMR Referrals to gain a better understanding of the enhanced services they offer.
- Inquire about Home Medication Reviews for your loved one.
- Explore the identification products provided by MedicAlert, such as their innovative QR ID system, which enables first responders to quickly access vital medical information.
This partnership marks a significant advancement in the support of Australia’s caregivers and their loved ones, especially in addressing the pressing issue of medication safety in the community.