Personalized Medicine Comes to Long-Term Care: Our Pharmacogenomics Pilot Takes Off

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Kari Everson

At LeadingAge Minnesota, we're always seeking innovative ways to help older adults thrive as they age. One exciting initiative now underway is our Pharmacogenomics (PGx) Pilot Program, which brings the power of personalized medicine to long-term care.

What Is Pharmacogenomics?

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is the study of how a person’s genes affect their body’s response to medications. Because everyone’s genetic makeup is different, some medications may work better or worse for certain people. By using PGx testing, health care providers can better match medications to each resident’s unique genetic profile. This means fewer side effects, improved symptom control, and overall better care.

Why It Matters in Long-Term Care

In nursing homes and assisted living communities, many residents take multiple medications, this is known as polypharmacy. PGx testing has the potential to reduce medication-related problems such as dizziness, confusion, falls, or unwanted drug interactions. It can also help caregivers avoid medications that may not work well for an individual resident and find better alternatives more quickly.

About the Pilot

Our PGx Pilot Program is being rolled out across eight locations in Minnesota, including both nursing homes and assisted living settings. These pilot sites were carefully selected and represent a diverse group of organizations committed to advancing care through innovation. Testing is simple and non-invasive—it involves a quick cheek swab collected by trained staff.

What We’re Measuring

We’re tracking several important outcomes to see how PGx testing makes a difference. These include:

• Changes in medication regimens following PGx testing
• Reduction in use of high-risk medications, like antipsychotics or sedatives
• Fewer adverse drug events, such as falls or confusion
• Improved mood, behavior, pain control, and overall health

We’re also looking at the possibility of integrating PGx testing into everyday workflows and how residents, families, and staff feel about the experience.

What’s Next

The kick-off meeting and staff training will wrap up by the end of September. Beginning in October, residents will start receiving PGx testing and personalized medication reviews. We’ll be collecting data and checking in on progress throughout the year, with a full evaluation planned for summer 2026. We’d like to give our sincere thanks to Health Partners for the seed funding for this project.

Looking Ahead

We believe this project could be a game-changer for how medications are managed in long-term care. By helping clinicians choose the right medication, at the right dose, for the right person, PGx testing offers a smarter, safer, more personalized path to well-being.

Stay tuned for updates as we move through the next phase of this exciting journey. Together, we’re aging forward—with science, compassion, and innovation leading the way.