Drug adherence and symptom management in older people.

There are a number factors that need to be considered when managing frail older people with multiple health problems. Inappropriate polypharmacy and poor adherence, particularly in older adults, is associated with negative health outcomes. In addition to assessing the patient's current symptoms and health status, it is therefore important to consider which medications patients are prescribed, whether they are appropriate and whether they are being taken as prescribed. This case study aims to increase awareness of poor adherence to medication in the older adult population.