Lisa Peake – FLORIDA TODAY
Q: How can I make sure that I am taking all my medications correctly?
A: As we age, our relationship with medications often becomes more complex. New prescriptions may be added, doses can change, and interactions between drugs or supplements become more common. In the midst of managing our health, one of the most valuable and underutilized resources is right in our local pharmacy! Pharmacists play a crucial role in helping older adults manage their medications safely and confidently.
Becoming a pharmacist generally takes six to eight years after high school, combining 2-4 years of pre-pharmacy coursework with a four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. Pharmacists are trained experts in how medications work, how they interact, and how they affect the body as we age. A slower metabolism, decreased kidney function, and increased sensitivity to certain drugs can all impact how medications behave in older adults.
A helpful service pharmacists provide is medication therapy management. A review of your entire medication list (prescriptions, OTC products, vitamins, supplements) can help identify potential problems. This might include duplicate or unnecessary medications, or combinations that increase the risk of dizziness, falls, confusion, or other adverse effects. In addition, the personalized review helps ensure each medication is needed, effective, and taken correctly. The pharmacist may suggest a simplified routine to consolidate dosing times. New medication? The pharmacist can offer easy-to-understand explanations about expected benefits, possible side effects, and what symptoms warrant a call to a doctor.
The pharmacists can also assist with adherence tools like pill organizers, blister packs, or synchronization programs that allow all prescriptions to be filled on the same day each month. Importantly, these tools help prevent missed (or doubled) doses. No longer driving? Many pharmacies offer delivery services or automatic refills.
A valuable benefit is the opportunity to ask questions — anytime. If your pharmacy seems particularly busy, ask when a good time would be to consult with the pharmacist. They often have more time for quick, practical conversations than a busy medical office. New symptom? Wondering about an over-the-counter product? Changing vitamins? The pharmacist can provide guidance.
Learning to use the expertise of your pharmacist can play an important role in staying healthy and maintaining your independence. With the knowledge and support of pharmacists, we can make informed decisions — one of the keys to aging well.
Bring your questions January 14 for pharmacist Luke Zippi. The morning event will help seniors and caregivers understand how to safely manage medications from the moment they’re prescribed to the moment they’re taken. RSVP online at www.OneSeniorPlace.com or call 321-751-6771 in Viera.
Lisa Peake is a Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Care Manager for One Senior Place Care Management, Viera. Ms. Peake hosts a monthly seminar, ‘Senior Health Friday with Nurse Lisa.’ One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
