The transition into a long-term care community can be a difficult and emotional process for you, your parents and other loved ones. There are many unique challenges and decisions necessary to find the right care. While preparing for an adjustment to a new environment, determining the appropriate level of care, and planning finances, many people don’t consider the best way to receive the medications they require for ongoing care and quality of life.
When you are considering or are already making the transition, it would be beneficial to know the advantages of using a long-term care pharmacy versus, for example, a standard retail pharmacy. Using a long-term care pharmacy can offer several benefits for your parents and loved ones in long-term care.
Focus: Long-term care pharmacies primarily serve residents who require ongoing care, such as those in assisted living communities, nursing homes, or hospice care. Retail pharmacies, on the other hand, typically serve a broad range of individuals, including those who require short-term or acute care. They are more likely to refill on a one-off basis without familiarity with the recipient.
Expertise in long-term care medication management: Long-term care pharmacies offer specialized services that cater to the unique needs of long-term care residents, including medication management, medication packaging, and medication delivery to the resident’s community. The pharmacists and technicians in LTC pharmacies understand the ongoing adjustments that may be necessary for dosage, drug interactions and resident changes.
Staff: Long-term care pharmacies typically have a team of pharmacists and technicians trained in the specific needs and challenges of long-term care residents. They work closely with the resident’s healthcare team to ensure that medications are administered safely and effectively. They also offer ongoing community staff training and support to ensure a more personalized medication experience. Retail pharmacies may not have the same level of specialized training and do not offer training or additional long-term care services to communities.
Billing: Long-term care pharmacies typically work directly with insurance companies and handle billing and reimbursement on behalf of the resident or their family. Retail pharmacies also work with insurance companies but may require the resident or their family to handle billing and reimbursement.
Customized medication packaging: Long-term care pharmacies can provide medication in customized packaging designed to simplify the medication administration process. For example, they can package medications in individual blister packs that are labeled with the date and time they should be taken, making it easier to administer the correct medications at the right time.
Timely medication delivery: Long-term care pharmacies can deliver medications directly to the assisted living community, ensuring that your parents and loved ones have access to their medications on time. This can help prevent missed doses and reduce the risk of complications or hospitalizations. They also offer 24/7 support for medication-related issues, including emergency medication orders. This can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your parents and loved ones are receiving timely and expert care.
Cost savings: Long-term care pharmacies often work directly with insurance companies and can help you navigate the insurance process to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for medications. Additionally, they may be able to help you find cost-effective alternatives to expensive medications.
With a long-term care pharmacy, you’ll have both expertise and additional services available. Overall, using a long-term care pharmacy can help ensure that your parents and loved ones receive the medication management, personalized care and support they need while living in long-term care. Deciding on medication and pharmacy service is a simple decision that can be made early, taking one less decision off your or your loved ones’ list as they make the important transition into long-term care living.
Heartland Pharmacy is a caring and dependable long-term care pharmacy that is family-focused and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the individuals, families and healthcare partners we serve. We deliver solution-driven services ensuring a personal, consistent and reliable experience for all.
