Polypharmacy and Medication Risk in Residential Care
For many families, the morning routine in a residential aged care home involves a familiar sight: a small cup filled with a variety of different tablets. While each of these medications is prescribed to support a specific health need, the sheer number of treatments can feel overwhelming for residents and their loved ones.
Through our Australian-first pharmacogenomics clinical trial, Whiddon is exploring potential ways to bring more clarity to these complex medication schedules. By understanding a resident’s genetic code, we can move beyond a standard approach to care, ensuring that every treatment is as safe and effective as possible.
What is Polypharmacy?
Polypharmacy is the term used when a person takes five or more medications daily. It is a common reality for older Australians, with research showing that over one million seniors across the country manage this level of medication every day.
In a residential care environment, this complexity is even more pronounced. Statistics indicate that up to 50 per cent of aged care residents may be prescribed medications that are potentially inappropriate for their specific needs1. By finding ways to prevent these types of situations from regularly occurring, we can help our residents maintain their independence and quality of life for longer.
Safety, Dementia, and Psychotropic Treatments
A particularly delicate area of medication management involves the use of psychotropic treatments, especially for those living with cognitive conditions like dementia. For these residents, the body’s reaction to certain drugs can be unpredictable, making safety a top priority.
Because dementia can sometimes affect a person’s ability to communicate how a treatment makes them feel, it is vital to have insights into their unique biology. This is where our current research into the role of genetic insights within residential care becomes so important. By identifying early signals in a resident’s makeup, we can better support the safe use of medications for those with the most complex needs.
Moving Toward Individualised Prescribing
The future of care lies in moving away from traditional, broad-based prescribing methods and toward a more personalised approach. While traditional methods often rely on standard dosages, tailoring medication specifically for older Australians allows us to take their unique biological blueprint into account and thus, provide support that is more precisely aligned with their needs. This shift is a vital part of providing dignity-led care that respects the unique story of every individual.
The Future of Medication Safety at Whiddon
Whiddon is at the forefront of this change, conducting a landmark Australian trial focused on pharmacogenomics in residential aged care. This science will help provide a clearer picture of how each resident processes their specific mix of medicines, allowing for more informed clinician-led decision making.
We are currently still exploring potential ways to use these genetic insights to simplify the lives of our residents and reduce the risk of medication-related harm. While our trial work remains subject to peer-reviewed publication, our goal is clear: to help redefine safety standards for the entire sector. By combining clinical evidence with our relationship-based care model, we are helping to ensure that every resident receives support that is as unique as their own life story.
If you’d like to learn more about our efforts in pharmacogenomics, visit our PGx page for updates on the ongoing trial in our aged care homes.
- Roughead, E., Semple, S. & Rosenfeld, E. 2013, Literature review: Medication Safety in Australia, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.
