I’ll never forget one of my patients, an 82-year-old woman who came to me after a series of unexplained falls. Her family assumed it was just part of aging. But when we looked closer, I discovered she was on 12 different medications—prescribed by six different doctors over the years. The combination of sleeping pills, blood pressure medications, and pain relievers was leaving her dizzy, drowsy, and unsteady. Once we reviewed and carefully simplified her regimen, she became steadier, more alert, and regained her quality of life.

Stories like hers are not uncommon. Polypharmacy—taking five or more medications at once—is one of the most pressing but overlooked health risks facing older adults. According to PBS NewsHour, over 40% of older adults take five or more prescriptions, and nearly 20% take ten or more. This “pile-up” of pills can lead to side effects, confusion, falls, and even hospitalizations.

One reason polypharmacy is so widespread? Fragmented care. Research shows the average Medicare patient sees seven different physicians across four separate practices each year. With each provider adding or adjusting prescriptions, it’s easy for medication lists to grow unchecked—without anyone stepping back to look at the bigger picture.

The good news: there are practical steps you and your loved ones can take to reduce risk and simplify the pill list.

Practical Steps for Managing Multiple Medications

1. Know What You’re Taking

• Write down every prescription, supplement, and over-the-counter medication.
• Record who prescribed it and why.
• Keep a copy with you at all times (wallet or phone). Update the list with every change, no matter how small.

2. Use One Pharmacy When Possible

• Filling prescriptions at a single pharmacy helps avoid dangerous drug interactions.
• Choose a pharmacy with an app that lets you track refills and dosage schedules.

3. Pay Extra Attention During Care Transitions

• Hospitalizations, rehab stays, or new specialist visits are often when medications are added or doses are changed.
• Always compare your home medication list before admission with the discharge list to prevent errors.
• Ask for an explanation of any changes before you leave.

4. Schedule a Medication Review

• Bring all your medications—including supplements and Over the counter (OTC) medications —to a “brown bag” review with a pharmacist.
• Partner with a physician or pharmacist committed to working across your care team.
• Ask whether any medications can be deprescribed or adjusted.

5. Get Support to Stay Organized

• Nurse navigators, care coordinators, or trained family members can help maintain an up-to-date medication list.
• Track symptoms closely when changes are made, and share updates with your care team.

How NexStep Makes Medication Management Seamless

At NexStep, we know simplifying medications isn’t a one-time checklist—it’s an ongoing process that requires time, attention, and coordination. That’s why our members benefit from:

• RN Care Navigator
  A dedicated nurse who takes the extra time to maintain and update your medication list, track changes, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
• Physician-Led Coordination
  Our physician works directly with your specialists on your behalf—reviewing your entire regimen, reconciling conflicting prescriptions, and looking for safe opportunities to simplify. This means you don’t have to schedule five separate appointments just to get your medications aligned.

Together, this team-based approach reduces risk, improves safety, and helps you or your loved one feel sharper, steadier, and more independent.

Summary

Polypharmacy is one of the biggest safety risks facing older adults today, with many seniors taking 5–10 medications prescribed by multiple doctors. Side effects and drug interactions can lead to confusion, falls, and hospitalizations—but there are practical steps caregivers can take. From keeping an updated list to using one pharmacy, to pharmacist reviews and nurse navigator support, simplifying the pill list can improve safety, independence, and quality of life. With NexStep, members also gain a dedicated RN Navigator and physician who coordinate directly with specialists—helping streamline care without the hassle of multiple appointments.