How to take care of your senior patients

Due to an aging patient population in the U.S., caring for senior patients is becoming a crucial aspect of working as a pharmacist. Older patients tend to live with multiple chronic conditions and take several medications. For many, it can be hard to keep track of taking the right medications at the right time. There may also be other potential problems to consider, such as an increased risk of side effects, drug interactions, and falls in elderly patients. As a pharmacist, it’s important to be aware of specific needs to ensure the best quality of life for older patients. 

Caring for senior patients is a comprehensive, long-term endeavor. In many cases, it will involve developing a good relationship with the patient and collaborating with the patient’s doctor and family members. Continue reading to learn more about how to care for senior patients. 

Watch for drug interactions

Having a laundry list of medications is a major contributing factor to an increased risk of drug interactions. Older patients, in particular, may be at risk of falling victim to a drug interaction. It’s a good idea to be vigilant when dispensing prescription medications and recommending OTC medications to older patients. Be on the lookout for drug interactions, especially if older patients start a new medication. 

Reduce the risk of serious adverse effects

Older patients may be at a greater risk of serious adverse effects than others. The risk of side effects may be linked to reduced liver and kidney function that declines with age. Without proper clearance from the body, drug levels can increase, leading to an increased risk of side effects. 

Certain medications may carry a higher risk of causing side effects. The American Geriatrics Society published the Beers criteria to advise healthcare providers on the potential risks of certain medications, such as benzodiazepines and anticholinergics, in older patients. Drowsiness or dizziness from a medication could lead to falls, which may lead to a bone fracture or other complications. 

Ensure medication adherence

It can be difficult for older patients to keep track of all of their medications. However, adhering to medications can mean the difference between maintaining quality of life and experiencing a serious complication from a poorly treated health condition. Make it a habit to check in with the patient to see how they’re doing with their medications. Are they taking them at scheduled times? Did they stop taking certain medications for one reason or another? You can recommend different tools, such as pill boxes, to aid their success with medication use. 

On the other hand, you may want to see if you can make recommendations to trim any duplicate medications from the patient’s treatment regimen. Depending on their age, some patients may be able to discontinue certain medications if they prefer quality of life over longevity. You can discuss these matters with the patient and their healthcare provider. 

Educate patients about their medications

One impactful aspect of senior care is to educate patients about their health and medications. For example, you can teach patients the proper way to take their medications, the best time to take them, and whether they can take their medication with food. 

You can also remind your patients that you’re available if they have any concerns about their medications. Making yourself available to the patient can open the door to a teaching point that could help the patient in the long run. It also empowers the patient to be proactive about their health and wellness. Pharmacists can be a valuable resource for medication information for the patient and their family, as patients may seek to consult their pharmacist before their doctor due to ease of access. 

Maintain or improve access to medications

Some senior patients may have trouble affording their medications. Other patients may have trouble finding the time or making arrangements to pick up their medications regularly. You may be able to advise patients on cheaper alternatives, such as generic drugs, or tell patients about any discounted drugs at your pharmacy. 

If the patient has trouble getting to the pharmacy to pick up their meds, you can arrange for all of their medications to be picked up on the same day each month. That way, they can consolidate multiple pharmacy visits into one, which may also improve medication adherence. You can also talk to the patient about coordinating with a spouse or family member for transportation if they are unable to drive or visit the pharmacy on their own. If your pharmacy offers it, you could also recommend a delivery service. 

Developing relationships with senior patients and looking over their health can be a fulfilling part of being a pharmacist. Using these tips can be helpful for managing medications in older patients, as older patients are among the patients most in need of education and guidance.