MEDICATION MANAGEMENT AMONG SOCIALLY ISOLATED OLDER ADULTS: A QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Social isolation results in poorer health outcomes and influences medication management in older adults. Although social support is emphasized as an intervention to support medication management among older adults, there is an absence of research that explores medication management when social support is lacking. In this thesis, I firstly highlight key findings of existing research reviewing the link between medication management and social isolation among older adults. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to explore experiences of medication management among five socially isolated, community-dwelling older adults. Themes were compiled and included: complexity of managing medications, variations in how social relationships are conceptualized, experiences in managing healthcare resources, and personal health practices and beliefs. Findings support the notion that experiences are complex, and influenced by healthcare resources, personal practices, and beliefs. Older adults should be encouraged to work collaboratively with healthcare providers to mitigate challenges of medication management when socially isolated.