SOSMagAprilJune2021

Do I Really Need All of These Medications? Pharmacists are experts at eliminating duplicate medications and looking for drug-drug interactions. They can help to answer the question, “Do I really need all of these medications?” If you are a Medicare Part D consumer and have various health problems, a “ C omprehensive M edications R eview” (also known as a “CMR” ), may be exactly what you need. A CMR is available through Firelands Regional Medical Center and the appointment is with a pharmacist. The CMR gives patients facts about the prescription and non-prescription medications being taken. The patient will learn what diseases each pill is designed to manage, what symptoms the drug treats and what are the side effects. During the CMR the pharmacist will also look for medications that should not be used in combination with one another because it may be harmful – not helpful. This is a common problem in later life, when living with variety of health issues. The CMR can also give the doctor useful information as he/she considers discontinuing a medication, changing the dose or the class of drug. To see if your Part D insurance will cover the cost of a CMR, call Serving Our Seniors 419-624-1856. We can also assist to make your CMR appointment. Patients are encouraged to bring a trusted person to listen with you, while information and instructions are given at the end of the appointment. Or you can use a voice recorder and listen to the information again, while at home. Judy Henry (left) with her daughter Dawn Clark pose for this picture to cause you to remember to arrange for your Comprehensive Medication Review Closing The Digital Divide in Later Life Serving Our Seniors has 9 “tablets” and 3 i-pads. Why? You may not like it, but this is how we will be meeting our needs, day-to-day, into the future. More of us will have to see our doctor for a virtual visit, receive health care test results from a patient portal, buy groceries and other products on-line, as well as attend social / educational events – virtually. If you are someone who knows little or nothing about tablets / i-pads and you are open to learning… We want to help you. We will teach you little-by-little, so it’s easy to understand and remember. For more information, call our office 419-624-1856. Ask to speak with a Senior Advocate Assistant. 19