Older Australians are encouraged to be medicine wise this week, and learn how to make safer and more informed decisions about their medicines and health.
Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, said Be Medicinewise Week provided a good opportunity for older Australians to follow a few simple steps around the home to ensure the safe use of medicines.
“Many older Australians are taking multiple medications and that’s why it’s important to dedicate some time this week to assess over-the-counter and complementary medicines to maximise the benefits and reduce risks,” Ms King said.
“By taking a few simple steps such as: checking active ingredients for any doubling up; cleaning out your medicine cabinet for out-of-date or unwanted medicines; or just asking your doctor about the risks and benefits can help prevent unplanned complications.”
Be Medicinewise Week is on from 14-20 October and is organised by NPS MedicineWise. This year the focus is on promoting the safe use of medicines for older Australians.
CEO of NPS MedicineWise, Dr Lynn Weekes, said medicine problems are common in older people.
“One in three unplanned hospital admissions involving older people are due to problems with medicines, but half of these could be prevented,” Dr Weekes said.
“Being an active partner in your health care and medicines management is important for older Australians, who tend to suffer more chronic health issues and often take multiple medicines.”
NPS MedicineWise is an independent, not-for-profit organisation. www.nps.org.au