Senior Center Medication Safety and Empowerment Curriculum

Team Alice Senior Center Medication Safety and Empowerment Curriculum

Team Alice's Medication Safety and Empowerment Curriculum (MedSEC) helps older adults and caregivers learn how to safely manage medications. Many seniors take multiple medications, which can lead to harmful side effects or unnecessary treatments. This program, developed at the University at Buffalo, will be offered at senior centers in Western New York. It includes two interactive sessions that teach participants how to recognize medication risks and talk with their doctors about safer options. The curriculum uses videos, group discussions, and hands-on tools to build confidence and knowledge. It follows the "4Ms" of Age-Friendly Health Systems: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility. A "Train-the-Trainer" model will help senior center staff continue the program long-term. The goal is to reduce medication harm, improve communication with healthcare providers, and support healthy aging in the community.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 55 years of age and above
• taking prescription medications

Carepartner Inclusion Criteria:

• currently an informal or formal care partner for an eligible patient (regardless of whether they live with or near the patient)
• aged 18 years of age and above

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with cognitive impairment that prevents their self-management of medications.