Feel your best. Everyday.

Introducing Ward MM ThriveIf you are taking 5 or more medications, there is an 80% chance you are experiencing unwanted side effects from your medications.

Taking the correct medication can ensure you feel in control of your body, avoid unplanned hospital visits, maintain mobility and continue to enjoy the fundamentals of life like food and movement.

Ward MM Thrive is a service that proactively manages your medication ensuring you avoid unwanted side effects and feel your best. Everyday.

In our current healthcare system, an individual’s medication is only reviewed by a Medication Specialist (clinical pharmacist) every 2 years or when an incident occurs such as a fall or hospital admission. Did you know, 30% of ALL hospital admissions in people over 65 are thought to be medication related?

With Ward MM Thrive, your Ward MM Medication Specialist will work with you and your doctor to create a highly personalised medication management plan which will address both your short term and longer term goals.

Your Ward MM Thrive Plan will be developed by harnessing 20 years of aged care clinical pharmacy expertise, DNA testing and recent medication research. Plus, your Medication

Specialist will be with you every step of the way via monthly consultations and 24/7 access (phone and online).

As you change, so will your medications.

Secure your spot!

Strictly limited places are now available.

See back cover...

Stages of service

Creating your Thrive Plan

Implementing your Thrive Plan

Ongoing proactive management of your medication

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Understanding what you want: A Ward MM Aged Care Medication Specialist will chat to you about your current concerns and determine desired outcomes. For example: stop going to the toilet so frequently and be able to spend more time walking in the garden.

Your unique make up: DNA test conducted (a non-invasive process involving a cotton bud swab taken from your mouth) and your vital statistics monitored.

Review your medication: Ward MM Aged Care Medication Specialist reviews all current medication, DNA results, current symptoms, vital statistics and test results.

Create Thrive Plan with your GP: Ward MM Aged Care Medication Specialist will create an in-depth personalised medication plan in consultation with your GP. At this stage you will be offered a choice of MedicAlert bracelets. A MedicAlert bracelet will provide vital information about your medications to emergency personnel if required.

Introduction to your new plan: Your Ward MM Aged Care Medication Specialist will come to discuss your medication plan with you (and your family). At this stage we will introduce you to your 24/7 support services (online and phone), provide you with a MedicAlert bracelet (if you need one) and ensure the staff caring for you are aware of your new medication plan.

Monitor your progress: Your medication is gradually altered over the coming months, we never do everything at once! Over this time, we carefully monitor your reaction to the change in medications. We may also recommend additional information which you might benefit from such as reading material from The Heart Foundation or Diabetes Australia.

Regular review meetings: Your Ward MM Aged Care Medication Specialist will meet with you (and your family) regularly to review your plan and progress toward your desired outcomes.

Checking in with GP and staff: Ward MM Aged Care Medication Specialist will regularly check in with your doctor and care staff to make sure everyone is on the same page with your plan.

Update information: Updates to MedicAlert bracelet, online Medication Dashboard and Medication Management Plan as things change.

Frequently asked questions

How is Thrive different to how my medication is managed now?Currently the government fund 1 medication review every 2 years unless a review is triggered by an unexpected incident, such as a fall or hospital visit. Although this is helpful, it does not proactively prevent incidents happening to you which could be caused by your medications. With this program, our Aged Care Medication Specialists (who are highly skilled clinical pharmacists) will work with you and your GP to create a proactive personalised medication plan. Decisions will be informed by your DNA data which enables a better understanding of your ability to metabolise certain drugs.

Your personal Ward MM Medication Specialist will be at your Aged Care Home monthly to help you, your family and your GP monitor your medications. In addition to giving you proactive care, you and your family will be given online access to information about the medications you are taking and a 1800 phone number to call.

Will I talk to the same Medication Specialist every consultation? Yes, the same Ward MM Medication Specialist will be in touch every time – however, please understand

there may be unforeseen circumstances where this is not possible, such as illness. In this instance we will make sure the person you do speak to understands your plan and requirements.

Why do I need extra medication reviews? The purpose of a medication review is to improve your care and reduce the risk of drug related problems. A medication review will asses your medications based on current medical research and risk aversion, potentially reducing your medication and thus reducing the cost to you. Simply put, taking the correct medication could prevent dizzy spells that often result in falls, frequent need to visit the toilet and other lifestyle inconveniences. The right medication helps you feel your best.

What if something goes wrong or another side effect develops when I stop a medication? Your medication is altered gradually and you will be monitored more frequently during this period to ensure a positive outcome.

Who is Ward MM?Ward MM was founded by Clinical Pharmacist, Sue Ward in 1997

as a medication review business servicing the aged care sector. Today, Ward MM is the largest provider of clinical pharmacy services to aged care in Australia.

Our highly qualified team of clinical pharmacists care for over 27,000 elderly Australians. As the guardians of safe and appropriate use of

medications, it is our mission to end medication-related harm. To learn more about us visit our website wardmm.com.au or call 1800 927 366.

Is DNA testing a gimmick?No it’s not. DNA testing allows us to make changes to your medications if results show you are either more susceptible to side effects from certain medicines or less likely to respond to treatment (it’s all about how fast your body can ‘metabolise’ a type of drug).

What happens to my DNA Data? Your DNA test will be processed by myDNA in their National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory, located in Melbourne. myDNA will provide the results of the test to your Ward MM Aged Care Medication Specialist. Your reports and genetic data are your property. Any results generated remain strictly confidential and will not be shared with any third parties without your consent. Privacy and data security protocols are fundamental to the myDNA technology platform. To learn more about myDNA visit www.mydna.life

How does my family get supported? It is essential that, if you want them to, your family are given information to support you in feeling your best. If you would like us to, a Ward MM Aged Care Medication Specialist can meet with your family regularly to discuss your current medications and desired outcomes. Plus, we will provide online

access to your current Medication Management Plan and a 1800 WARDMM phone number to call if they have questions.

How does the Ward MM pharmacist support my GP?Ward MM have developed this program in collaboration with doctors, ensuring efficient use of their time (so they have more time for you).

Your Ward MM Medication Specialist will support your GP by monthly visits to your Allity Aged Care Home to;

• review your medications, proactively reporting any issues.

• provide your GP with a summary of your Medication Dashboard.

• coordinate specialist consultations with your GP when required.

Why would I need a MedicAlert bracelet?A MedicAlert bracelet includes medical information that might be needed in an emergency. For example, a list of allergies or medications known to have significant interactions or impacts. The bracelet will consistently be updated by the Ward MM team.

Secure your spot!Strictly limited places are now available on a first in basis only. Book now to take advantage of this exclusive subsidised introductory fee of:

$296.50 ($98.84 per month)

If you choose to continue the service, Thrive will be provide for an annual fee of:

$2,373 ($197.75 per month)

Call us today, or send us an email:

1800 WARDMM (927 366)info@wardmm.com.au

1800 WARDMM (927 366)

www.wardmm.com.au

Eliminating medication related harm