Dimension 3
Condition-Related Factors
Condition-Related Factors
CHRONIC CONDITIONS AND LACK OF SYMPTOMS
Medications have to be taken indefinitely for many chronic illnesses, and adherence to such treatment regimens often declines significantly over time (Berger et al., 2004). This is especially true for chronic illnesses that have few or no symptoms - e.g., high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and hyperlipidemia—and lack the “cues” that may remind people to take their medication. Without symptoms, a person may not be motivated to adhere to a treatment regimen. It is important that the older adult understand the illness and what will happen if it is not treated.
| BARRIER | STRATEGIES |
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Therapy for asymptomatic conditions
Preventative therapies with no immediately discernible benefit
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Inform about disease process, importance of treatment or prevention, and consequences if not treated
Reinforce benefits of prevention/treatment versus risks
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Chronic or long-term therapy
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Simplify regimen
Refer to support group
Use reminder strategies
Involve family members
Cue medication taking to daily tasks or routine
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Copyright © 2006 American Society on Aging and American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Foundation; all rights reserved.