There are many challenges facing the elderly when it comes to medication. Because seniors typically take a large number of medications to manage multiple medical conditions, they’re at an increased of polypharmacy and adverse drug events. For PACE participants, the challenges are even more pronounced, as they try to navigate Read more…
The field of medicine is continually changing, and with it, so is long-term care pharmacy. As researchers uncover more about how the body works and metabolizes medications, the potential to personalize those medications—and optimize results—grows. The topic of pharmacogenetics is increasing in popularity as we progress toward personalized medicine. We Read more…
Heart failure is a condition that’s more common among the elderly population. It is vitally important for long-term care providers, including LTC pharmacy services, to stay up-to-date on condition and management strategies. The Long-term Care Providers’ Guide to Heart Failure: Defining the Conditionm Heart failure is a syndrome that presents Read more…
By definition, a medication error is a preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm. Medication errors may occur at any point in time from prescribing to the PACE pharmacy dispensing the medication to administration. The Institute of Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) estimates that Read more…
Medication nonadherence is a common issue in the United States, contributing to as much as $300 billion in avoidable health-related costs each year. Because seniors often take multiple medications, they are at high risk for nonadherence and hospital readmissions, making this an area of emphasis for both PACE pharmacy and Read more…
medications for PACE participants. Anticoagulation therapy is commonly utilized in PACE participants who: have had a blood clot previously have atrial fibrillation have a synthetic heart valve have had knee or hip replacement therapy have mitral stenosis have endocarditis Under normal circumstances, blood clotting is essential to one’s well-being to Read more…
Staff at long-term care facilities, including providers of LTC pharmacy services, may be exposed to hazardous medications at various points throughout the day. It is likely that staff will be involved in activities that have the potential for contact with uncontained medications. Exposure to these medications in the workplace has Read more…
In a recent blog, we took a look at medications that increase fall risk and the role long-term care pharmacy providers play in mitigating that risk. Let’s take a deeper dive into that topic and look at why effective medication management is essential. Medication management plays a vital role in Read more…
Medications and their side effects are a leading cause of falls in older Americans. This is something that long-term care pharmacy providers needs to remain vigilant about. Falls in older adults can be debilitating. It is important that all providers note medications that are known to have exaggerated side effects Read more…
Although most of our residents are protected from exposure to the outdoor winter elements the majority of the time, the winter weather can still have harsh effects on those indoors. It’s important for post-acute care pharmacy providers to remind other care providers that proper skin care is even more prudent Read more…