Pharmacists Fill Scripts and Much More for Seniors
July 18, 2025Most adults aged 65 and older take some type of prescription medication regularly, and polypharmacy (taking 5 or more medications) is common. Medication
management for you or your older loved one means more than just putting pills in a container and taking them every day. Instead, it starts with the prescription and involves safety measures to ensure the greatest benefits without preventable side effects or medication-related problems. That is where the senior care pharmacist comes in.
Specialized Pros for Special Needs
The senior care pharmacist has specialized training in geriatrics, which means they understand the medication-related needs of older adults. Many senior care pharmacists work in long-term care settings such as nursing homes and assisted living communities, but these professionals can provide pharmacy services in all settings. They offer person-centered care, with their top priorities being the best possible outcome and quality of life for everyone. The senior care pharmacist has many roles, including:
- Reviewing the medications people take for effectiveness and safety
- Identifying and helping to address medication side effects
- Making treatment or medication recommendations that enhance safety, save costs, and improve
the likelihood that people will take their medications as prescribed - Identifying untreated health issues or complaints
- Educating residents, families, and care team members about medications
- Working with residents, families, and care team members on managing chronic diseases such as
diabetes, arthritis, and COPD
The Consultant Pharmacist: Senior Care in Long-Term Care Settings
Senior care pharmacists who work in long-term care settings are called consultant pharmacists. In a senior living community, these pharmacists:
- Help develop procedures for medication management and disposal
- Conduct staff trainings
- Make recommendations for changes to medications, including suggesting a switch to a different drug or a lower dose
- Work with the community on issues like fall prevention
- Help the community follow legal and other requirements
- Develop and oversee programs on how to use medications, like antibiotics and opioids, safely and responsibly
- Provide vaccines and vaccine-related education to staff and residents
The Proof Is In: Pharmacists Make a Difference
Whatever setting they practice in, pharmacists contribute to better outcomes and fewer medication-related problems for seniors. Several studies have shown the positive impact of pharmacists; for example:
- Consultant pharmacists’ recommendations contributed to increased pneumococcal vaccination rates.
- Consultant pharmacist involvement in opioid stewardship resulted in reducing pain.
- Home care providers stated that consultant pharmacists helped with pain management and drug side effects for people at home.
- Pharmacist-conducted medication reviews contributed to positive outcomes and cost-effective care.
- Pharmacists can play a key role in screening for and addressing mental illnesses.
The senior care pharmacist not only helps improve care but also helps people enjoy their best possible quality of life. For instance, they can identify someone who is taking medications that increase the risk of falls and recommend changes to reduce or eliminate that risk. The senior care pharmacist can also help with troublesome side effects like fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
Get to Know Your Friendly Senior Care Pharmacist
In any setting where a resident is taking some type of medication, the pharmacist has a key role on the care team. As Matthew Palmer, PharmD, BCGP, senior director of clinical operations at PharMerica said, “When pharmacists are involved in care planning, medication-related goal setting, and offering routine medication reviews, residents feel better, and costs are reduced.”
The pharmacist has long been a highly trusted health care provider. They do much more than dispense medication. They provide education, answer questions, address problems and concerns, help manage costs, and prevent avoidable hospitalizations and emergency room visits. The senior care pharmacist is a partner in care who wants the best for you or your older loved one.
Want to Know More?
What Is a Senior Care Pharmacist?
Senior Care Pharmacists Can Provide Essential Services for Older Adults