More and more older Australians are choosing to live independently in their later years, and the numbers speak for themselves.
According to GEN Aged Care Data, the number of people using home care packages surged from 71,900 in 2017 to 275,000 in 2024.
That’s a 283% increase in just seven years.
But while independent living offers comfort and dignity, it also brings challenges, especially when it comes to managing multiple medicines. For many older people living alone, the risk of taking the wrong medicine, forgetting to take their medicine or taking their medicine twice or at the wrong time of day is a real concern.
As your local community pharmacy, we’re here to support your independence while ensuring your safety. One of the most effective ways to do that is through a Dose Administration Aid (DAA).
What’s a Dose Administration Aid?
Managing several medicines daily at the right times can be overwhelming. A Dose Administration Aid (DAA) is a practical solution that helps organise your medicines into an easy-to-follow, safe routine.
DAAs are typically blister packs or sachets that separate your medicines by day and time of day, making it simple to know what to take and when. You can find your nearest community pharmacy offering dose administration aids and other medicine management services using our free search tool.
How do Dose Administration Aids work?
Imagine having your medicines sorted into clearly labelled compartments or packets, with instructions for each time of day. No guesswork, no confusion, no need to rely on memory or assistance.
That’s the beauty of a DAA. It simplifies your medicine schedule, reduces the risk of errors, and helps you stay in control of your health.
Benefits of Dose Administration Aids
Here are just some of the reasons why DAAs are a smart choice for older Australians:
- Reduces reliance on family or carers to manage medicines
- Provides a clear, easy reference for when to take each dose
- Helps track missed or taken doses
- Allows pharmacists to monitor for any issues you may have taking your medicines and to work with you to make adjustments
- Enables coordinated prescription management between you, your pharmacist and your GP
Staying on track with your medicines
To stay on top of your health, it’s important to work closely with both your GP and your pharmacist and to take your medicines as intended to manage your health conditions.
A MedsCheck is a free service for eligible patients which is provided by a pharmacist in your local community pharmacy. The pharmacist reviews your medicines with you to improve your understanding and use of your medicines. They can also help you with any medicine-related problems you have that are identified during the consultation.
Another helpful service is a Home Medicines Review, where an accredited pharmacist visits your home to provide a comprehensive clinical review of your medicines in collaboration with your GP. This ensures your medicines remain safe, effective, and tailored to your needs.
Take charge of your health today
Taking control of your health doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. You deserve to live with comfort, confidence, and dignity in your own home. That’s exactly why Dose Administration Aids are designed to support you by making medication management simple, safe, and stress-free.
Additionally, Dose Administration Aids can be free or offered at a reduced price for eligible patients, making them more affordable for at-risk people.
Speak to your pharmacist today to see how a Dose Administration Aid can help you stay independent and in control of your health.
