23 March 2005

Australians aged 65 years and over are at risk of medicines related mix-ups with more than 86% taking one or more medicines at any one time. About 140,000 people are admitted to hospital as a result of mix-ups with their medicines every year.

This year’s theme for ACT Seniors Week is ‘Having the time of our life’ and marks a great time to arrange an information session to get to know your medicines better and help avoid a medicines mix-up. Seniors Week starts on Saturday 2 April, and bookings can be made at any time.

Trained volunteers are offering tailored information sessions to seniors’ clubs and social groups. “These sessions, given by seniors, for seniors, will discuss how to talk with your doctor or pharmacist to better understand and learn about your medicines,” said Catherine Versegi, the COTA ACT state coordinator for the program.

“Good health and medicines use are important issues for many seniors and it is hoped that these sessions will give seniors the opportunity to discuss their medicines issues and build on the knowledge and understanding they already have about the medicines they take,” said Ms Versegi.

“These interactive sessions are part of a national program – Seniors Quality Use of Medicines Program – an initiative of the National Prescribing Service Ltd in collaboration with COTA National Seniors.” Ms Versegi concluded.

To book a session or for more information about the Seniors Quality Use of Medicines Program, contact Catherine Versegi by telephoning 02 62823777.

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