2. Physical and Mental Health
Topic 2 of 6
Getting to know your pharmacist
Pharmacists play an important role in the management of the health and well being of your elder.
Select ‘Play’ to find out some ways you can get the most out of your pharmacist
Caring for your elder is a team effort. A pharmacist is an important member of the team. To get the most out of their services, there are actions you need to take. One, go to a regular pharmacy. The pharmacist and their team need to get to know you both. Two, develop a relationship.
A familiar pharmacist can better manage your elers’s medications and be alert to anything that may not be suitable. A good pharmacist will regularly review their prescribed medications and any other treatments bought over the counter.
Three, take photos. It may not always be possible to show the pharmacist in person a rash, a wound, a spot, or even describe it.
Photos can show what the problem is and monitor its progress.
Speaking with your pharmacist
As carers we can find ourselves dealing with medication and feeling a bit lost. The pharmacist is a fantastic source of information and most of the time doesn’t need to be asked to talk about medication. It is your pharmacist’s favourite topic. To help you we have a list of ‘Questions you can ask your Pharmacist’ and more in the Resources section. Here we look at some typical scenarios you may encounter.
Select the scenarios to explore each situation.
Managing medications
To avoid any problems with taking medication you might suggest that your elder uses a blister pack, medication roll or medication pack. These are especially helpful as the number and variety of medications increase and the risk of confusion increases. It is important to have a conversation with your elder about managing medications. Some may see it as a personal insult, or a sign of decline. Reassure your elder that this will give them more independence not less. It will also reduce their risk of an adverse drug event and increase their wellbeing. See ‘Rethinking Medication’ in the Resources below.
If you are concerned about your loved ones’ medications, a pharmacist can also visit your home and review their medications and recommend any changes. This may be particularly important if your elder has come home from hospital with new medications. A Home Medicines Review by the pharmacist needs a referral from the GP.
Module 2
Resources
MODULE 2
