The Role of a Senior Care Pharmacy Consultant: What Community Operators Need to Know 

 Did you know? Pharmacy consultant services can potentially save $2 billion per year for nursing homes industry-wide by reducing additional costs from medication-related problems. 

Pharmacies play a crucial role in providing healthcare services in senior living communities, offering a wide range of pharmaceutical products and services. However, medication management can be a complex task, due to various challenges related to regulatory compliance, business operations, and resident care. This is where senior care pharmacy consultants come into the picture. In this blog, we will explore what a senior care pharmacy consultant is and how they support community operators in improving resident outcomes. 

A senior care pharmacy consultant is a professional who has expertise in pharmacy management, regulations, and operations in the senior living landscape. They serve as advisors to senior living operators, community care staff, residents, and family members, helping them navigate the pharmacotherapeutic challenges of older adults. They are committed to person-centered care and provide critical information on the use of medications and medication distribution management, as well as:  

Regulatory Compliance: Senior care pharmacy consultants are well-versed in federal, state, and local regulations that govern the operation of pharmacies. They assist senior living operators in staying compliant with these laws to avoid legal issues. 

Optimizing Business Operations: Consultants help senior living operators streamline their business processes, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency. They may provide guidance on inventory management, quality assurance, staff training, and workflow optimization. 

Enhancing Resident Care: Pharmacy consultants can advise on how to enhance resident care services. They are essential partners to the healthcare team. They may recommend implementing clinical services such as medication therapy management (MTM), medication regimen review (MRR), vaccinations, and fall reduction – all of which can improve resident outcomes and boost revenue. 

Financial and Strategic Planning: These consultants also assist senior living operators in financial planning, including budgeting, financial analysis, cost reduction, and revenue enhancement strategies. For example, a study by the ASCP Education and Research Foundation showed that pharmacy consultant services can potentially save $2 billion in savings for nursing homes per year by reducing additional costs from medication-related problems such as treatment failure and side effects. 

Operators should be aware of the numerous advantages of utilizing a pharmacy consultant, including reduced compliance risk, heightened safety, increased profitability, cost reduction, and enhanced resident care.  

Staying informed about the evolving pharmacy landscape is crucial, especially for the older adult population. It additionally promotes safety, convenience, and quality of care for residents. Senior living operators and community care staff should seek continuous education for themselves and their staff to adapt to new regulations and emerging trends. A pharmacy consultant can provide numerous resources for continuing education.