Why Medication Reconciliation Is Critical for Adult Family Homes — And How Precision Assess Can Help

In Adult Family Homes (AFHs), medication errors remain one of the most common causes of preventable harm — especially among elderly residents managing multiple medications. That’s why medication reconciliation is such a critical part of resident care.

At Precision Assess, we understand how overwhelming this process can be for providers and caregivers. Through our nursing care plan services in Bothell WA and across Washington State, we help Adult Family Homes strengthen their systems and safeguard their residents.

Here’s what every AFH owner, manager, or RN consultant should know about medication reconciliation — and how Precision Assess can help.

What Is Medication Reconciliation?

Medication reconciliation is the process of ensuring that residents are taking the right medications — at the right dose, at the right time. It involves:

• Creating the most accurate list possible of all medications a resident takes (including prescription drugs, OTC medications, vitamins, and supplements).

• Comparing this list to any new orders following a care transition (hospitalization, specialist visit, new prescriptions, etc.).

• Identifying and resolving discrepancies — such as duplicate medications, missing orders, interactions, or incorrect dosages.

By maintaining accurate medication records, providers can help prevent harmful errors that may lead to hospitalization, falls, confusion, or other adverse events.

Why Medication Reconciliation Is Essential in Adult Family Homes

Medication reconciliation is especially important for Adult Family Homes in Washington State because:

• Residents are often older adults with chronic conditions — many take five or more medications (polypharmacy).

• AFHs typically coordinate care between multiple prescribers (primary care, specialists, hospitalists), increasing the risk of miscommunication.

• A thorough initial health assessment for elderly care frequently reveals medication risks or discrepancies needing immediate correction.

Without proper reconciliation, errors can result in serious consequences — from hospitalization to preventable injury or even death.

6 Key Steps for Safe Medication Reconciliation

To reduce risk and promote safe care, Precision Assess recommends these best practices for medication reconciliation:

1. Develop Clear Policies & Procedures

• Define when reconciliation should occur (on admission, post-hospitalization, during care conferences, after any med changes).

• Assign responsibility — typically to the AFH provider, RN consultant, or collaborating pharmacy.

2. Maintain an Up-to-Date Medication List

• Keep accurate records for each medication: name, dose, route, frequency, and purpose.

• Include OTC products, supplements, and herbal remedies.

3. Communicate with Healthcare Providers

• Confirm new orders with prescribers or pharmacists after any care transition.

• Obtain signed, updated medication orders.

4. Partner with a Pharmacy Offering Med Setup

• Using pharmacies that provide blister packs or punch cards reduces the chance of administration errors.

• Ensure that all medication changes are reflected in the packaging.

5. Conduct Regular Medication Reviews

• Monthly reviews with providers or a consulting pharmacist help catch discrepancies early.

• Collaborate to ensure safe ongoing medication management.

6. Train Caregivers & Document Everything

• A strong caregiver care plan in Washington includes staff training in both medication administration and reconciliation.

• Document all reconciliations, transitions, and provider communications.

How Precision Assess Supports Adult Family Homes

At Precision Assess, we work with Adult Family Home owners, managers, and RNs to strengthen medication safety practices. Our services include:

✅ Performing initial health assessments for elderly care that review medication regimens and identify risks.

✅ Offering placement assessment for adult family homes to ensure safe and appropriate medication management during resident transitions.

✅ Providing nurse delegation services in Washington State, empowering caregivers to safely administer medications under RN guidance.

✅ Developing customized nursing care plan services in Bothell WA and beyond — so every resident receives individualized care, not a one-size-fits-all plan.

✅ Consulting on medication reconciliation procedures and staff training for AFHs throughout Washington.

Get Support From Precision Assess

Medication reconciliation is one of the most important safeguards you can provide for your residents. If you’d like expert support — from nursing care plans to nurse delegation or placement assessments — Precision Assess is here to help.

👉 Learn more at www.precisionassess.com, or contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Let’s work together to keep your residents safe and thriving.