Sometimes it feels like we’re juggling more prescriptions than a corner pharmacy, doesn’t it? Residents arrive with a long list of medications. Each one is prescribed with the best of intentions. Even so, we’re expected to keep it all straight without stepping into a tangle of unintended consequences. That’s exactly why paying attention to drug interaction risks in senior living communities has become such an important part of the work we do every day.

Recently, a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society raised a flag that should catch all of our attention. Researchers found that nearly two-thirds of nursing home residents were exposed to medication combinations with potential drug-drug interactions. These weren’t obscure or rare. Instead, they involved common medications like antiplatelets, anticoagulants, and statins. In fact, nearly 86% of these combinations were prescribed by the same provider. That shows just how layered and complex medication management can be. You can read the full study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

McKnight’s Long-Term Care News reported that this issue is less about carelessness and more about complexity. Residents often live with multiple chronic conditions. They see several specialists. They may also move between care settings. As a result, that creates plenty of chances for medications to pile up, even when everyone is trying to do the right thing.

So what can communities do? To begin with, take a fresh look at your medication review process. Talk with your consulting pharmacists. Make sure reviews go beyond simply checking orders. Instead, evaluate whether combinations still make sense. Furthermore, communication between prescribers also matters. Time pressures and alert fatigue can make obvious issues easy to miss.

Organizations such as Care Providers of Minnesota have also weighed in. In a recent article on medication management, they emphasized collaboration and ongoing education. These are practical ways to reduce risk. In some cases, just asking one simple question can make all the difference.

We may never eliminate every medication-related concern. However, we can stay intentional and proactive. When we keep drug interaction risks in senior living communities front and center, we strengthen our ability to care for residents thoughtfully and responsibly—one medication review at a time.

Stay well and stay informed!