Consultation, Advocacy and Resources for Elders
Medication Assistance Program

At Overlook C.A.R.E we believe that precise medication assistance decreases the chances of illness and hospitalization for older-adults.  No matter where an elder lives, whether it is in their own home or in an Independent or Assisted Living community, taking medication properly helps insure our clients lead a healthier and more satisfying life.  That is why we developed our Medication Assistance Program.

The Program Begins With an Initial Assessment and Observation.

In order to determine a client’s baseline knowledge of their medication profile, our Medication Assistance Program Nurse will complete a comprehensive medication assessment which includes:

  • Asking clients to demonstrate how they currently take their medications
  • Having clients locate their prescription vials and / or other forms of medications
  • Evaluating our client’s ability to read the labels and open the containers
  • Assuring clients know the correct amount of the medication to take
  • Asking our clients to describe what the medication is prescribed for
  • Evaluating how our clients reorder their medications.
  • Evaluation of the client’s physical or mental challenges
  • Evaluation of the storage and organization of medications

    The data collected during the assessment process, including the clinical and psychosocial observations, will be essential in developing a customized plan of care for each individual client.  We gather detailed and accurate information that will come from various sources including the client's family members or other responsible parties who are legally qualified to discuss the client's protected health information. We then develop a customized plan of service which includes allowing our nurse to have access to the client’s prescribers and the necessary health information to insure the client’s safety and well being at all times. The client's prescribers, including  their primary care physician and other specialists prescribing for the client, will be contacted to verify all medication orders including any over the counter drugs and supplements the client may be taking. 
   
The Elderlife Specialist

 

 

 

The Nurse Provides Ongoing Medication Assistance Following Assessment.

The Medication Assistance Nurse will verify that the medications match with current physician orders and are properly labeled by the dispensing pharmacy. The nurse will communicate with the physician regarding any medication discrepancies. This will be accomplished with all physicians involved in the client’s care and will include any over the counter medications the client is taking.

The Medication Assistance Nurse will set up a system for the client to allow for compliance with medication which may include such interventions as:

 

In order to use the Medication Assistance Program you do not have to be a client of one of our Geriatric Care Managers.  However, the Overlook C.A.R.E. Geriatric Care Manager group, which is staffed entirely by Masters level Licensed Clinicians, are always available for intervention should the need arise.

To learn more please contact us at:
Overlook C.A.R.E. Medication Assistance Program
Call us at: 781-837-7444

99 Derby Street, Suite 300 • Hingham, MA 02043 • Fax: 781-740-2203