Do you know?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 50 percent of patients do not take their medications as prescribed. It’s estimated in the United States that among seniors the percentage is even higher. More than 80 percent of seniors regularly take two or more prescription drugs (and 50 percent take four or more). According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 55 percent of these seniors are non-compliant when it comes to taking their medication.

This is a serious problem that leads to return trips to the hospital and adversely affect the long-term health of seniors and others relying on medication. In fact, the WHO stated in a report on medication adherence that “increasing the effectiveness of adherence interventions may have a far greater impact on the health of the population than any improvement in specific medical treatments.”

In order to ensure your parents and loved ones  get the best medical care possible, be sure to provide doctors with a full medical history, a record of all prescription medications and attend doctor visits with your parents whenever possible.  Always ask questions and bring up any concerns you may have.

M&Y Care is always there to take care of your family health problems at your home and just a call away.