8 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 the Victorian Seniors’ Festival is ‘The Age to Be: Go for Your Life’ and marks an ideal time to have an information session to get to know your medicines better and help avoid a medicines mix-up.

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 Karen Ivanka, the COTA VIC 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 Ivanka.

“It is quick and easy to book a session, and we can match your group to a volunteer that suits you.”

“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 Ivanka continued.

To book a session or for more information about the Seniors Quality Use of Medicines Program, contact Karen Ivanka by telephoning 03 9655 2107.

ENDS

National Prescribing Service Ltd (NPS) provides independent, evidence-based information and services to health professionals and the community on Quality Use of Medicines (QUM). To achieve this we work in partnership with GPs, pharmacists, specialists, other health professionals, Government, pharmaceutical industry, consumer organisations and the community. NPS is an independent, non-profit organisation funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

CP 080305