Building a strong rapport with a pharmacist can be quite helpful, particularly for seniors who are prescribed a variety of medications. For help, guidance, and medication management, pharmacists are an invaluable resource. However, seniors might be uncomfortable starting the discussion or unsure of what to say. The good news is that home care can work with them to help them feel more comfortable and even point them toward resources that give them the knowledge they need to ask the right questions.
Selecting the Right Pharmacy
The first step in finding the right pharmacist starts with finding the right pharmacy. Seniors will need someone who is informed, patient, and eager to spend time answering their questions. Home care can encourage them to become comfortable looking at different pharmacies to ensure they find the best one for their needs, rather than settling on the first one.
Be Truthful and Transparent
Any successful partnership must include open communication. Seniors need to give their pharmacist information about their health history, current prescriptions (including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements), and any allergies they may have. This allows the pharmacist to give the best recommendations and prevent possible drug interactions.
Develop a List of Questions
Seniors may feel they’re bothering the potential pharmacist with their questions. To help dispel this concern, loved ones might help seniors with the initial contact, asking for the best time to talk. This not only helps seniors feel less bothersome but also lets the pharmacist carve out time to spend with them. Once this is done, seniors can develop a list of questions to ask, which may include the following:
- What is the purpose of this medication?
- What is the appropriate way for me to handle it?
- Are there any adverse effects that I should be aware of?
- What happens if I forget to take a dose?
- I’m on other medications; would this one interact with them?
Maintain a List of Medications
Seniors should keep a current record of all the medications they take, together with their dosages and schedules. They and their pharmacist may find this to be a useful reference, particularly during consultations. Every time they visit the pharmacy, they should bring this list along. Also, home care can help ensure the list is kept up to date by reminding seniors to review it after medical appointments.
Only Use One Pharmacy
While seniors might research various pharmacies, they should decide on just one. This is better for medication management and communication between them and their pharmacist. It also reduces the risk of interactions or overuse.
Establish Trust Gradually
Going to the same pharmacist on a regular basis and having open discussions can help to build trust and understanding. Developing this relationship might also ensure better treatment over time. However, if any lingering feelings of uneasiness remain after working with the pharmacist for some time, home care and loved ones can work with seniors to learn how they can become more comfortable.
Having a good rapport with the pharmacist might help seniors stay in better health while also giving them confidence about the prescriptions they’re prescribed. Home care and loved ones can assist in developing this relationship by encouraging seniors to be open and honest, helping them look for viable candidates, and supporting their feelings along the way.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Norfork, NE, please contact the caring staff at Caretech today at (402) 697-5121
Caretech provides the best care services for seniors and families throughout Nebraska including Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney, Fremont, Norfolk, Hastings, Columbus, Papillon, North Platte, La Vista, Scottsbluff, South Sioux City, Beatrice, Lexington, Chalco, Gretna, Gering, York, and surrounding areas.
