Article

PURPOSE: To understand the medication routines used by older adults taking four
or more medications daily. METHOD: One hundred forty-nine community-dwelling
older adults were interviewed about the individual routines, storage locations,
equipment, and assistance that enabled their adherence to a medication regimen. A
subsample of 84 older adults was observed completing one medication routine in
their home environments. FINDINGS: Medication habits were embedded in mealtime,
wake-up, and sleep routines for 91% of the sample. Participants developed unique,
individualized behaviors for taking medications that were choreographed within
broader daily routines. The primary locations for storing medications were the
kitchen and bathroom. Equipment used to promote adherence was primarily pillboxes
or self-made adaptations. More than 50% of the entire sample required some type
of assistance related to medication adherence. IMPLICATIONS: Findings support the
role of occupational therapists in collaborating with clients to develop
individualized medication routines to promote medication adherence.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

Langue : ANGLAIS