These changes are not limited to the elderly but apply equally to all patients. Lifestyle has a significant impact on compliance. The elderly are often retired and linking dosage schedules to activities may prove difficult. Pharmacists should consider the best options for each patient which may not necessarily be the theoretical ideal. Another consideration is how the medicine is packed.
Many elderly people are less agile than younger patients, with physical difficulties to overcome.
These points should be considered and such problems addressed. Even simple blister packaging can be a barrier to an arthritic patient and dispensing in a bottle may be advantageous. In the same way child resistant closures may not be appropriate. Calendar packs may be advantageous in many cases but may require explanation for the elderly. At least one elderly patient thought the starting tablet in a two x 15 day calendar pack was different to all the other tablets.