Medication Management for Seniors
Safe, personalised and holistic medication review at Shire Doctors & Dentists
As people age, managing multiple medications can become increasingly complex. Many seniors take several prescriptions, vitamins, and over-the-counter medications each day. While these medicines are important for treating health conditions, they can also interact with one another or cause unwanted side effects.
Our Medication Management service is designed to help seniors use their medications safely, effectively, and confidently. At Shire Doctors & Dentists, we take a comprehensive and patient-centred approach to ensure every medicine is necessary, safe, and tailored to individual needs.
Why Medication Management Is Important
- Medication-related issues are one of the most common reasons seniors experience:
- Falls
- Confusion or memory problems
- Dizziness
- Hospital admissions
- Fatigue or weakness
- Adverse drug reactions
- These problems often occur because of:
- Taking multiple medications (polypharmacy)
- Organ changes with ageing that affect how drugs are processed
- Duplicate prescriptions from different providers
- Drug interactions
- Incorrect doses
- Outdated or unnecessary medications
- A structured medication review can significantly improve safety, reduce risks, and enhance quality of life.
What Is Polypharmacy?
Polypharmacy refers to taking multiple medications at the same time—often defined as five or more.
Although sometimes necessary, polypharmacy increases the risk of drug interactions and side effects. Many seniors take medications that may no longer be required or may not be working as intended.
Our goal is to ensure that every medication has a clear purpose and remains beneficial.
What We Do During a Medication Review
Our geriatric team performs a thorough and collaborative assessment that includes:
✔ Reviewing all current medications
Prescription drugs, supplements, herbal products, and over-the-counter medicines.
✔ Identifying unnecessary or outdated medications
We assess whether each medication is still needed and whether safer alternatives exist.
✔ Checking for interactions and side effects
We look for any combinations that could cause harm or reduce effectiveness.
✔ Assessing correct doses
We ensure medication doses are appropriate for age, kidney function, and overall health.
✔ Simplifying medication regimens
Where possible, we reduce the number of daily doses to improve adherence.
✔ Coordinating with specialists and pharmacists
We ensure all providers are aware of each medication and any recommended changes.
Benefits of Medication Management
- A professionally guided medication review can:
- Improve safety
- Reduce harmful side effects
- Prevent hospitalisations
- Enhance memory, alertness, and mood
- Reduce dizziness and falls
- Increase energy levels
- Improve overall health outcomes
- Provide peace of mind for patients and families
- Many seniors feel significantly better after unnecessary or interacting medications are removed.
When Should You Consider a Medication Review?
- A medication review may be helpful when someone is:
- Taking 5 or more medications
- Experiencing dizziness, confusion, or falls
- Having difficulty managing medications independently
- Recently discharged from hospital
- Seeing multiple specialists
- Unsure what some medications are for
- Feeling overly tired or not themselves
- Regular reviews—particularly every 6–12 months—are recommended for most seniors.
Our Approach at Shire Doctors & Dentists
Our team focuses on:
Safety first
We prioritise reducing risk and preventing avoidable complications.
Collaboration
We work closely with GPs, pharmacists, specialists, and family members to ensure a seamless medication plan.
Education and support
We help patients and carers understand what each medication does and how to take it correctly.
Personalised care
Every medication plan is tailored to the individual’s unique health needs and goals.
Book a Medication Review Appointment
If you or a family member would benefit from a comprehensive medication assessment, we are here to help.
Contact Shire Doctors & Dentists to arrange an appointment with our geriatrician for Medication Management and improve safety, clarity, and overall wellbeing.