Care for Older Adults (COA)

The percentage of persons 66 years of age and older who had both of the following during the measurement period: 

• Medication Review. 
• Functional Status Assessment. 

Why It Matters

According to U.S. Census statistics, there are an estimated 54 million adults over the age of 65 in the United States, and it is estimated that by 2050 this number will increase to 85.7 million ¹. As the population ages, physical function decreases and cognitive ability can decrease. Older adults can become depressed or have medication regimens of increased complexity. Assessing functional status and medication review can ensure that older adults receive comprehensive care that prevents further health status decline and considers their wishes. 

Functional status assessment 

Screening is effective in identifying functional decline. Physical ability is an important indicator for health and well-being in old age, as it decreases with age. Physical functional decline is often an initial symptom of illness in older people, and early detection of functional decline allows earlier treatment or intervention ². 

Medication review 

The vast majority of older adults take medications to address at least three or more chronic conditions. Many have multiple prescribing physicians and use more than one pharmacy, necessitating regular review of medications. The Task Force on Medications Partnership recommends that all community-dwelling older adults have a medication review performed at least yearly ³. 

A medication list should include prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) medications (including herbals, supplements), dose, frequency and reason for taking the medication. Poor medication management can lead to adverse drug events, overdoses and underutilization of drugs, all of which can result in increased hospitalizations ⁴. 

The vast majority of older adults take medications to address at least three or more chronic conditions. Many have multiple prescribing physicians and use more than one pharmacy, necessitating regular review of medications. The Task Force on Medications Partnership recommends that all community-dwelling older adults have a medication review performed at least yearly ⁵. 

A medication list should include prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) medications (including herbals, supplements), dose, frequency and reason for taking the medication. Poor medication management can lead to adverse drug events, overdoses and underutilization of drugs, all of which can result in increased hospitalizations ⁶. 

Historical Results – National Averages

Performance results for this measure are currently unavailable.