Medication Management Programs
VNA Care Network & Hospice's Medication Management Program helps seniors get the most out of their medications and avoid possibly harmful drug interactions. The program includes "Brown Bag" Medication Management Clinics, talks, and home visits.
These services are made possible by grants from the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, HESSCO Elder Services, and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs with Title III funds from the Older American's Act as well as VNA Care Network & Hospice.
For more information, contact Maureen Sendrowski, RN, MPH, at msendrowski@vnacarenetwork.org, 888-663-3688, ext. 5603, or 508-786-0693, ext. 5603.
"BROWN BAG" MEDICATION MANAGEMENT CLINICS
Seniors may schedule an individual nursing consultation to review their prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies for potential and actual interactions, side effects, and other problems. The nurse can also discuss how to organize medications to make them easier to manage and address other concerns.
Clinics are open to residents only and are funded by the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging. Appointment required unless otherwise noted. Participants should bring all of their medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and physician's name and phone number. Check back for upcoming clinics.
MANAGING YOUR MEDICATIONS SAFELY
This medication management talk covers common medication misuses, drug interactions, strategies for safely managing medications, and other topics. There will also be time for questions and answers. Free. Funded by a grant from the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging. Open to residents only. Check back for upcoming talks.
Heart MEDICATIONS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Join a wellness nurse to learn more about how blood pressure and heart medications work to improve your life, strategies to prevent medication interactions, and tips for safe medication management. Free. Funded by a grant from the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging. Open to residents only. Upcoming talks:
Worcester: Mt. Carmel Apartments, 50 Shrewsbury St., 10 to 11 a.m. Aug. 27. For information, call 508-752-8022.
West Brookfield: Council on Aging, 73 Central St., 11 to 11:45 a.m. Aug. 28. For information, call 508-867-1407.
PREVENTING MEDICATION INTERACTIONS
Learn about common drug interactions and the warning signs, strategies to prevent medication errors, and tips for safe medication management during this talk by a wellness nurse from VNA Care Network & Hospice. Free. Funded by a grant from the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging. Open to residents only. Check back for upcoming talks.
Home Visits: Medication and Safety Assessments
A limited number of chronically ill, frail elders may receive a home visit and follow-up from a VNA Care Network & Hospice nurse. During the home visit, the nurse will evaluate prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal remedies for interactions and related safety concerns including lowered blood pressure and balance problems. The nurse will also assess the client's risk of falling and make recommendations for home modifications and other steps to reduce the chance of suffering a fall. Referrals to health care providers, community agencies, and low cost drug programs are provided as needed.
Medication and safety assessment home visits are free. The program is made possible by grants from the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, HESSCO Elder Services, and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs with Title III funds from the Older American's Act.
The program is open to residents of Ashburnham, Ashby, Auburn, Ayer, Barre, Bellingham, Berlin, Blackstone, Bolton, Boylston, Brookfield, Canton, Charlton, Clinton, Dedham, Douglas, East Brookfield, Fitchburg, Foxborough, Franklin, Gardner, Grafton, Groton, Hardwick, Holden, Hopedale, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leicester, Leominster, Lunenburg, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millis, Millville, New Braintree, Norfolk, North Brookfield, Northbridge, Norwood, Oakham, Oxford, Paxton, Pepperell, Plainville, Princeton, Rutland, Sharon, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Southbridge, Spencer, Sterling, Sturbridge, Sutton, Templeton, Townsend, Upton, Uxbridge, Walpole, Warren, Webster, West Brookfield, Westminster, Westwood, Winchendon, Worcester, and Wrentham.
For more information, contact Maureen Sendrowski, RN, MPH, at msendrowski@vnacarenetwork.org, 888-663-3688, ext. 5603, or 508-786-0693, ext. 5603.