Institutional Pharmacy Services as Part of Long-Term Care

Long-Term Care Planning Month is observed in October to encourage seniors to look at their potential need for these services in the future. Long-term care involves various services that are designed to help people who can no longer perform everyday activities on their own. These services include bathing, meals, supervision, transportation and other health and personal care services. The National Institute on Aging indicates most long-term care is provided at home by unpaid family members and friends. Care can also be given in a nursing home or assisted living facility.

Who Needs Long-Term Care?

Several factors increase a person’s risk of needing long-term care. Here are the five main reasons that someone may need long-term care, according to the National Institute on Aging:

• Age. The risk generally increases as people get older.
• Gender. Women are at higher risk than men, primarily because they often live longer.
• Health and family history. These factors also affect risk.
• Lifestyle. Poor diet and exercise habits can increase a person’s risk.
• Marital status. Single people are more likely than married people to need care from a paid provider.

Institutional Pharmacy Services

Medication administration and supervision are also part of long-term care services. Taking your medicine as prescribed is important for treating chronic and temporary conditions, and overall long-term health and well-being. Carmichael’s Institutional Pharmacy or Long-Term Care (LTC) Pharmacy helps patients and residents in long-term care facilities meet their medication needs and maintain a prescription drug regimen over time. Our team of experienced, highly trained professional staff and licensed pharmacists provide patient medication servicing and management with coordinated care and expertise. We utilize digital tools to provide medication and related services that include physician order processing, treatment sheet preparation, customized delivery and distribution and other long-term care pharmacy services.

Planning For Long-Term Care

 It is important to discuss long-term care with loved ones and perhaps a lawyer as you may need it in the future. Planning allows you to learn about long-term care services in your community and make important decisions while you are still able to do so. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about your medical and family history and lifestyle for suggestions on how you can improve your health.

Carmichael’s encourages seniors and individuals acting on their behalf to develop a long-term care plan and explore long-term care planning options. Although Long-Term Care Planning Month is observed this month, you can plan any time throughout the year. Preparing for the future allows you to decide how and where you want to navigate your later years.

Getting your prescription medications through our LTC Pharmacy means having a working relationship with pharmacy staff who have expertise in medically complex patient care. Please contact a Carmichael’s representative if you have any questions and need any information.