Caregivers’ Involvement in Medication Management of Elderly in Hospital Tuanku Fauziah, Kangar Perlis

Introduction:The ageing population, defined as individuals aged 60 years or older, often manages multiple chronic conditions requiring complex medication regimens.Due to physical, cognitive, and functional limitations, many older adults rely on caregivers for medication management and healthcare assistance.Caregivers' involvement is crucial in ensuring treatment adherence and positive health outcomes.However, managing complex regimens can be challenging for caregivers, especially those balancing other responsibilities.Despite the importance of caregivers in medication management, limited research exists on their roles and challenges in supporting older adults.Objective: To explore caregivers' involvement in medication management of elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions and to identify the challenges faced by caregivers in managing older adult medications.Method: A qualitative study using semi-structured interview was conducted.10 subjects were interviewed.Each interview session lasted between 30 to 45 minutes.Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and then coded according to themes.Results: Ten caregivers (mean age 43 years, 80% female) were interviewed, along with 11 elderly patients (mean age 83 years, 90% female).Caregivers' roles included general assistance, emotional support, and active involvement in health management, such as attending medical appointments and managing medications.Most caregivers reported challenges in administering medications due to patient emotions, medication taste, and the complexity of regimens.Strategies to overcome these challenges included preparing medications in advance and providing reminders.Financial difficulties were not a major barrier for most, though some caregivers cited occasional financial constraints.Conclusion: This study highlights the critical role of caregivers in managing older adults' medication, categorizing their involvement into active and peripheral roles.Caregivers provided essential support in medication management, healthcare visits, and emotional well-being, often adapting their schedules to accommodate caregiving responsibilities.Key challenges included managing the complexities of multiple medications, emotional distress in older adults, and balancing caregiving with work.Despite these challenges, caregivers played a pivotal role in ensuring medication adherence and optimizing therapy outcomes.The findings emphasize the need for better support systems and policies to assist caregivers in their multifaceted roles.