College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

WKU students are getting practical experience with educating older adults about the medication they’re taking.

WKU’s Amy Bingham has more on a grant-funded initiative called “Let’s Chat Meds” in this week’s View from the Hill.

Taking multiple medications can be confusing and even dangerous.  The goal of ‘Let’s Chat Meds’ is to improve the quality of life for rural Kentuckians.

“It’s so sad that so many adverse drug effects and hospitalizations is due to people not taking their medications as prescribed.”

For about four hours this week in downtown Franklin, residents 50 years and older had a chance to review their medications.

 “We have nurse practitioners and pharmacists that are discussing the meds with the individuals that come.”

“It’s definitely good experience to get the students involved in the community.”

The Rural Elder Awareness of Medication Safety project is aimed at improving health literacy.

“A lot of them like to get their blood pressure read because most don’t take that every day.”

Laura Kitchen said she came because she wanted to make sure she had a clear understanding of the medicine she is taking.

“I learned that one of my medicines also contain Tylenol so I need to be careful about how much Tylenol I take because it’s secreted through the kidneys and could cause damage. “

A follow up to the awareness event is planned for November 30 at the same location.

“We want to know from the participants perspective, from the elderly perspective was it beneficial, was it helpful?”

WKU hopes to bring this type of grant-funded initiative to other rural communities.

Learn more at www.facebook.com/letschatmeds