Managing Polypharmacy: Deprescribing Strategies for Caregivers (2026)

Managing Polypharmacy: Deprescribing Strategies for Caregivers (2026)

Hook: Polypharmacy increases falls, confusion, and hospital visits. Deprescribing is a clinical process — caregivers play a critical role in documenting effects and enabling safer regimens.

Steps for caregivers

1. Compile a complete medication list including OTCs and supplements.
2. Ask for a structured deprescribing plan from the clinician with expected timelines, monitoring metrics, and rescue plans.
3. Log effects daily for the first weeks after changes to capture withdrawal or improvement signs.

Coordination tips

Work with pharmacists for interaction checks and use telehealth for frequent short follow-ups to adjust plans quickly (telehealth follow-up workflows).

"Deprescribing is iterative and measurable — caregivers are the data collectors who make it safe."

Final checklist

• Document everything.
• Use short-interval follow-ups after each change.
• Prioritize function and cognition when making decisions.