With a growing ageing population and a wide scope of practice, our community members’ input and influence into the pharmaceutical care of older people is increasingly valuable.
The Care of Older People Committee has been involved in multiple profession-wide initiatives, influencing practice across the UK and overseas. Our senior and elderly pharmacy experts were instrumental in pioneering the development of professional frameworks and resources to guide career advancement.
In a pharmacy context, care of older people refers to the delivery of services for seniors and the elderly. Pharmacy professionals need to be aware of the specific health needs and risks of older people, tailoring their delivery of care accordingly.
Care of older people considerations can include dementia care, pain and medication management, deprescribing, and supporting patients to manage frailty.
Senior care pharmacy professionals often work closely alongside community health and other pharmacists to deliver the best standard of tailored care to the elderly community.
Care of older people has always been a vital aspect of pharmacy, but with an increasingly ageing population in the UK and internationally, it’s more important than ever.
Older patients may require information to be delivered in a specific way, and they have their own needs that require careful management and understanding from pharmacists. It’s essential that pharmacists are well-versed in how to provide pharmaceutical care to older people, and deliver best practice to ensure all patients receive the highest standard of service and care for their unique needs.
Pharmacy professionals should always be striving to improve services, including those accessed by older people. It’s crucial that pharmacists are staying up to date with the latest guidance, and continuing their education and training throughout their career in order to deliver the best care for the ageing population.
Joining the UKCPA Care of Older People Community provides you with the opportunity to continue learning from senior care pharmacy experts as you progress in your career. Community members regularly share resources and updated best practice guidance, and you’ll have the opportunity to expand your network via in-person and virtual events. Join our community today to play your part in improving the care of older people.
Patrick Wilson - Chief pharmacist
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