Rx Snapshot tracks drugs and helps older Americans talk with their health care professionals about managing their meds.
AARP released Rx Snapshot, a free, online tool that Utahns can use to help older family members, friends or neighbors manage their medications safely and effectively.
The need is clear: 65 percent of Americans over 65 are using one or more inappropriate medications, and 57 percent are taking medications that are ineffective, duplicative or unneeded.
An initiative of Create the Good, a network of independent volunteers active in neighborhoods across the country, Rx Snapshot is an easy way to help older Americans record the medications they are taking and talk with their health care professional about how they might better manage their meds.
“Using prescriptions wisely and effectively is incredibly important to helping people of all ages who take medications stay well,” said Rob Ence, AARP Utah State Director. “Helping a loved one or a neighbor complete an Rx Snapshot is a small task that can have a big impact on their health and maybe even their pocketbook.”
AARP is encouraging people to visit www.AARP. org/CreateTheGood to download the Rx Snapshot and either call older relatives and loved ones or organize a community group to help neighbors fill out the one-page sheet.
The Rx Snapshot toolkit gives older Americans:
• A way to keep updated records of their medications
• Tips to having a conversation with their health care provider about the risks and benefits of their prescriptions
• The opportunity to consider generics as money-saving alternatives
Information on where to volunteer or to get local community groups involved can be found at www.AARP.org/CreateTheGood.
Post a Comment
