Q:Dear Dr. Si, What is a senior care pharmacist? – TB, Albany, NY
A:Dear TB,
Senior care pharmacists — specialists in geriatric drug therapy and the unique medication-related needs of seniors — identify and prevent medication-related problems through careful evaluation and monitoring of patients’ drug regimens. People turn to senior care pharmacists when they or someone they know needs help making the best use of their medicines. The senior care pharmacist is your own personal health care consultant. You’ll find senior care pharmacists wherever seniors reside — anywhere there’s a need for high-level medication management. They work to help fine-tune drug therapy so you, your grandmother, your father, your neighbor can get the best possible results. Senior care pharmacists are about more than just managing medications. They are dedicated to helping people live better and longer lives. Many senior care pharmacists do not work in a typical pharmacy setting, such as a community pharmacy. They may work as independent consultants and, unlike traditional pharmacists, senior care pharmacists often do not fill prescriptions or sell non-prescription products. They provide information and, like accountants or attorneys, they charge a professional fee for the services they provide although they may actually save money in the long run by reducing unnecessary medications and other health care expenses………….. You can find a senior care pharmacist near you by logging onto the following web site: www.seniorcarepharmacist.com.