Catalina*, 81, was referred to Partners HomeMeds Plus program following her admittance to Centinela Hospital for diarrhea and vomiting. Catalina has a number of chronic conditions including type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure and arthritis. A health coach visited her at home to assess Catalina’s medications and her other needs.
Her coach discovered several potential medication problems. Catalina was taking a number of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including Naproxen 500 mg oral tablets and Celecoxib 200 mg oral capsules, both of which should be used cautiously in older adults as they can increase risk for serious gastrointestinal bleeding. The coach made a list of Catalina’s medications and passed that on to a HomeMeds℠ pharmacist for review, which was then followed by consultation with Catalina’s doctor. The pharmacist recommended switching to a single drug therapy at increased dosage/frequency instead, or adding on another non NSAID pain relieving agent.
Catalina, a Latina, was very happy that she could speak with her coach in Spanish. As they talked, Catalina raised a couple of concerns. First, she explained her concerns about medical treatments as she approaches the end of her life. The coach explained the process for creating an advance directive, and provided her with the appropriate form to complete. Catalina’s second biggest concern was that her family could not always provide transportation to medical appointments, so the coach told her about Access transportation services, and provided her with an application form.
In less than an hour of face-to-face contact, the coach was able to review Catalina’s medications, and provide her with solutions to some of her biggest worries. Commenting on the home visits Catalina said, “Me ha gustado este programa, porque me ha ayudado con servicios de la comunidad.” (“I liked this program, because it has helped me with community resources.”)
*Not client’s real name
