Doggrell, Sheila A., and Kairuz, Therése (2012) Medicines management by the older-aged living independently in different types of retirement villages. Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research, 42 (3). pp. 208-212.

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Abstract

Background: Resources to assist the older-aged manage their medicines should target those in greatest need. Little is known about whether socioeconomic status (SES) influences medicines management by the older-aged.

Aim: To explore whether there is a difference in medicines management by the older-aged living independently in different types of retirement villages.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 56 older-aged residents living in 5 different types of retirement villages. A purposefully designed instrument was used to inform the researchers’ perceptions of medication adherence.

Results: 92% of residents from the freehold retirement village (metropolitan city, high SES) were perceived to be adherent to their medicines and not likely to have problems with adherence within the next 6 to 12 months. While in the 2 rental retirement villages (low SES), 50% or fewer residents were in this category. Participants from the freehold retirement village had a good understanding of about 80% of their illnesses, which was significantly lower in the 2 rental villages (10% to 20%). More medicines per person were prescribed in the 2 rental retirement villages than in the freehold village. Cardiovascular drugs were the most commonly prescribed in all of the retirement villages, but prescribing of psychotropic drugs was greater in rental than freehold villages. Pooled data showed that lack of knowledge about medicines and illness was associated with a medication organiser dispensed by a pharmacy.

Conclusion: The older-aged living in low SES rental retirement villages may need assistance and resources to manage their medicines.

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