AARP late last week released Rx Snapshot, a free, online tool that Missourians can use to help older family members, friends or neighbors manage their medications safely and effectively.
The need is clear: 65 percent of Americans older than 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 healthcare professional about how they might better manage their meds. The free resource is available at www.AARP.org/CreateTheGood.
“Using prescriptions wisely and effectively is incredibly important to helping people of all ages who take medications stay well,” said Anita K. Parran, associate state director for Public Affairs. “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 healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of their prescriptions.
*The opportunity to consider generics as money-saving alternatives.