We've got trouble: medications in assisted living

The rise in assisted living facilities (ALFs), coupled with residents with increasingly complex conditions, leads to unanticipated problems linked to medication management. The purpose of this study was to describe one western state's scope of medication-related problems, the relationship of problems to facility characteristics, and the nature of the problems using state surveyors' reports from routine inspections and complaint investigations. Of the 1,335 ALFs surveyed for 2007-2008, 61.8% received a medication-related citation. Of the 1,558 allegations, 60.3% involved individual residents, with 25.2% of these being medication related. The variability in state regulations obscures an accurate understanding of the problem. Complex medication regimens delivered by unlicensed assistive personnel place residents at risk for negative health consequences. More nursing oversight is critically needed to ensure the health and safety of the new generation of ALF residents.