Why Partner With Us? >>> Real-Life Results!
Patient XY
Patient XY
Patient XY
(Initials changed to protect patient privacy; stock image)
Patient Background and Challenges
XY is a 90-year-old female married to a 90-year old male who suffers from mild-to-moderate dementia. She faced numerous complex challenges that made traditional healthcare approaches insufficient.
Complex Medical Conditions
She had multiple serious he
(Initials changed to protect patient privacy; stock image)
Patient Background and Challenges
XY is a 90-year-old female married to a 90-year old male who suffers from mild-to-moderate dementia. She faced numerous complex challenges that made traditional healthcare approaches insufficient.
Complex Medical Conditions
She had multiple serious health conditions including severe dementia with difficult-to-manage behaviors, severe cardiovascular conditions requiring life-sustaining medications, metabolic disorders including poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism, respiratory issues, kidney impairment requiring careful medication dosing considerations, polypharmacy (taking many chronic medications daily, many of which produced side effects and contributed to her other conditions) mobility limitations (obesity, instability on feel) contributing to fall risk and functional decline, etc.
Social Determinants of Health Barriers
Beyond medical complexity, XY faced significant social challenges such as limited healthcare access with no insurance or established primary care provider, communication barriers as a multilingual patient who reverted to other languages when confused, medication administration difficulties due to dental issues and pill aversion, caregiver instability with multiple turnover due to her husband’s behaviors, social isolation with no family support system, etc.
Escalating Medical Crises
She experienced a cascade of serious medical events, notably: multiple in-home falls requiring the fire department and emergency services assistance and assessments, repeated hospitalizations for recurrent urinary tract infections, associated mental disequilibrium and falls, diabetic emergencies with blood glucose levels exceeding 600 mg/dL, new blood clots and fluid in her lungs complicated by worsening heart failure, other blood complications requiring anticoagulant adjustments.
Mental Health Decline
These medical crises led to significant mental decompensation characterized by severe sleep disturbances and increasing agitation, complete loss of cognitive clarity and functional independence, behavioral challenges requiring the addition of multiple psychotropic medications while hospitalized, and progressive decline requiring hospice care placement.
Comprehensive Pharmacotherapy Intervention - Expert-Guided Medication Reviews, Interventions, and Optimizations
Our clinical pharmacist (CP) conducted a thorough assessment of her medical history and medications and unveiled multiple medication-related problems. Over a series of phone, in-home, and hospital visits, the CP was able to make many life-saving and quality-of-life-enhancing interventions. These interventions included consistently advocating for patient-centered care that aligned with the patient's goals, providing extensive education to providers, hospice staff, and caregivers; implementing non-medication management strategies; making several medication adjustments; recommending the deprescribing of inappropriate medications; and intervening in cases of inappropriate medication selection and dose escalations. Additionally, it involved coordinating care across multiple settings.
Extraordinary Recovery
After 3 months of comprehensive medication management with a wonderfully collaborative care team, XY's health and general well-being were notably improved. Today, her weight is vastly improved due to implementing an appropriate diet. Her diabetes is well-controlled for her age with the use of only one medication (versus various combinations of seven different antidiabetics previously), as are her cardiovascular, thyroid, and other medical conditions. She sleeps well through the night and her dementia is well-managed with several non-medication strategies alongside a modest dose of medication. Hospice discharged her from their services when it was clear that they were no longer needed. She spends most of her days painting, coloring, and watching arts and travel videos on YouTube, while enjoying the doting care of her remarkable and attentive caregivers.
Patient MN
Patient XY
Patient XY
(Initials changed to protect patient privacy; stock image)
Patient Background and Challenges
AB is a 72-year-old female whose only diagnosed chronic medical conditions are fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. She had tried and failed many medications in the past and was extremely leery of modern medicine. She was seeing a naturopath w
(Initials changed to protect patient privacy; stock image)
Patient Background and Challenges
AB is a 72-year-old female whose only diagnosed chronic medical conditions are fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. She had tried and failed many medications in the past and was extremely leery of modern medicine. She was seeing a naturopath who prescribed several natural remedies to aid her problems. She was referred to our Clinical Pharmacist (CP) by her primary care physician (PCP) to help manage her multiple naturopathic medications after she repeatedly refused modern medicine-backed treatments.
Comprehensive Pharmacotherapy Intervention - Expert-Guided Patient Visits, Recommendations, and Optimizations
Our CP conducted an initial assessment to get to know MN better and to understand what mattered most to her. She determined how she could help her achieve her healthcare goals while staying true to her beliefs. She provided extensive education on the various naturopathic medications MN was taking and made recommendations to adjust or deprescribe those that were excessive or interacting with her other medications. The CP listened to her concerns about modern medicine and medicines and allayed many of MN's concerns through empathy-guided care and education. She recommended several non-medication techniques and several modern and natural medications to help manage her chronic pain, sleep, and quality of life concerns.
Improvement
Although MN continues to navigate chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and insomnia, her overall outlook and coping abilities have notably improved. She is empowered to handle her health and other life challenges with optimism and grace, including during the recent loss of her life partner. Her conditions have not entirely resolved, and she continues to navigate occasional health challenges. She is much improved overall (her health is stable) and full of joy, zest, and humor as she looks to her future with great anticipation. Because of the camaraderie and trust they have built over time, she continues to consult with our CP to ensure the appropriateness of new therapies, medications, and supplements.
Patient AB
Patient XY
Patient AB
(Initials changed to protect patient privacy; stock image)
Patient Background and Challenges
AB is a 70-year-old male with relatively few medical conditions other than severe depression and anxiety that contributed to and were exacerbated by a substance use disorder and uncontrolled diabetes. He would take his relatively few medications for
(Initials changed to protect patient privacy; stock image)
Patient Background and Challenges
AB is a 70-year-old male with relatively few medical conditions other than severe depression and anxiety that contributed to and were exacerbated by a substance use disorder and uncontrolled diabetes. He would take his relatively few medications for a while and then fall off the healthcare grid for months due to his addiction and social isolation (the latter two of which were unbeknownst to his primary care physician, i.e., PCP).
Comprehensive Pharmacotherapy Intervention - Expert-Guided Patient Visits, Recommendations, and Optimizations
AB's PCP contacted our clinical pharmacist (CP) to assist with getting his diabetes, depression, and anxiety under control. After reviewing his past medical history and medications, the CP conducted an initial interview to listen to his concerns and the concerns that mattered most to him, and then crafted a plan tailored to address those, as well as to achieve his medical goals. In the course of her visits with him, AB admitted to having a drug addiction problem. With gentle and empathetic support and encouragement, AB completed a 30-day drug rehabilitation program (he started the prescription medication she had recommended to address his depression and anxiety, and a more effective oral medication for his diabetes before heading into rehab).
Remarkable Recovery
After discharge from his inpatient rehab program, AB met with the CP biweekly to initiate another drug that would effectively combat his obesity and diabetes, while continuing to adjust and monitor the other medications he was on for anxiety and depression. Today, AB's mental health is stable, his weight and diabetes are well controlled, and he can retain his apartment and living situation with his elderly mother as he desired. His medication management visits are still regularly scheduled but less frequent now that his medical conditions are stable. He has been reintegrated into a healthy community and is back to working.
Who Partners With Us? >>> Real-Life Exigencies!
Medication-Related Issues: Seniors Are Disproportionately Impacted!
Caregiving Support & Notable Outcomes: Patients, Family & Caregivers
Caregiving Support & Notable Outcomes: Patients, Family & Caregivers
1. Multiple Chronic Conditions, Polypharmacy, and Complex Medication Management
• As people age, they are often faced with an increasing number of chronic conditions necessitating medical care
• Multiple Medications: Dealing with chronic conditions often leads to polypharmacy - the concurrent use of five or more medications. This increases the risk of drug interactions, side effects, and medication errors.
• Management Complexity: Even with resources, managing complex regimens can be overwhelming, leading to missed doses or incorrect administration.
2. Medication Nonadherence (Not taking Medicines Exactly As Prescribed)
• High Error Rates: Studies indicate that 75–96% of older adults admit to making mistakes in taking their medicines, such as forgetting doses or taking the wrong combination.
• Reasons for Nonadherence: While cost and other factors like forgetfulness, regimen complexity, and concerns about side effects play a significant role.
• Consequences: Nonadherence is responsible for up to 10% of hospitalizations among older adults, highlighting the importance of effective adherence strategies.
3. Adverse Drug Events and Side Effects
• Increased Sensitivity: Age-related changes in metabolism and organ function increase susceptibility to adverse drug reactions and toxicity.
• Drug Interactions: The use of multiple medications and supplements raises the risk of harmful interactions, which can be difficult to detect and manage.
4. Inappropriate Medication Use
• Inappropriate Prescriptions: Seniors may receive medications that are no longer necessary or are contraindicated due to their age or other health conditions.
• Deprescribing Challenges: There is often a lack of systematic processes for reviewing and deprescribing medications, particularly in primary care settings.
5. Falls and Fall-Related Injuries
• Falls are the top cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for seniors. Risk factors include balance issues, lower body weakness, medication side effects, and home hazards.
6. Poor Access to Person-Centered, Integrated Care
• Care Coordination Gaps: Community support services and medical care are often not well-coordinated, making it difficult for seniors to access necessary resources and integrated care.
• Need for Education and Support: Many older adults and their caregivers lack sufficient education about medication management and available support services.
7. Poor Mental Health, Cognitive Decline, and Behavioral Factors
• Depression, Anxiety and Stress: A large percentage of older adults report levels of depression above clinical cutoffs, which can impact medication adherence and overall health.
• Cognitive Decline: Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are common, but lifestyle factors such as physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement are modifiable protective factors.
• Lifestyle and Health Behaviors: Limited exercise and other health risk behaviors can exacerbate medication-related problems in many senior adults.
8. Maladaptive Independence & Medication Management Challenges
• Many seniors prefer to maintain independence and manage medications without close supervision when possible.
• This lack of supervision or adherence checks and balances can lead to missed doses or errors in timing and administration, increasing risks of adverse events.
• Lack of professional oversight or caregiver support may exacerbate these challenges regardless of financial means.
9. Social Isolation
• Health Impact: Social isolation is a recognized health risk for many older adults. It is adversely linked to increased chances of developing heart disease, stroke, and depression.
10. Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors
• Obesity and Physical Inactivity: High body mass index (BMI) and sedentary lifestyle are leading risk factors for disability and chronic disease in many seniors.
• Modifiable Factors: Promoting regular physical activity, healthy eating, and weight management can prevent or delay the onset of many chronic conditions.
11. Substance Use and Medication Misuse
• Drug Deaths: Drug deaths among seniors have risen sharply, highlighting the risks of medication misuse and substance abuse.
• Modifiable Factors: Medication safety education, regular medication reviews, and reducing unnecessary prescriptions can help prevent misuse and adverse events.
12. Prohibitive Medication Costs
• New state laws capping Medicare Part D out-of-pocket costs may benefit many seniors by reducing cost-related nonadherence.
• Some seniors may still face high costs for non-Medicare-covered medications, specialty drugs, or medication co-payments.
13. Poor Medication Education
• Seniors may lack full awareness of how their medications, supplements, and diet work or interact.
• Education on medication management, potential side effects, and adherence strategies is critical to prevent complications and hospitalizations.
Our services address all of these medication concerns in tangible, efficient ways.
Caregiving Support & Notable Outcomes: Patients, Family & Caregivers
Caregiving Support & Notable Outcomes: Patients, Family & Caregivers
Caregiving Support & Notable Outcomes: Patients, Family & Caregivers
We Partner With You or Your Loved Ones to Optimize Your Health Outcomes & Goals! Our Partnership With You Involves:
- Personalized Care: A dedicated geriatric pharmacist advocate for each patient who provides high-touch, patient-centric care based on the 4Ms Age-Friendly (what matters most to you, your medications, mentation, and mobility) and other senior-care principles.
- Improved Outcomes: Reduced medication errors, hospitalizations, adverse drug events, and readmissions.
- Convenience & Access: In-home, telehealth, doctor office or in-hospital visits as appropriate
- Innovation & Efficiency: Our services are supported by the latest technology, including digital therapeutics (RPM) and seamless transitions of care.
- Healthcare Integration: Strong collaboration with your healthcare team including primary care & specialists
- Premium Experience: Exclusivity, 24/7 access, and tailored support.
Strategic Partnerships: Healthcare Professionals
We Partner with you to optimize your Patient outcomes and quality metrics! Our Collaborative Care Integration Involves:
- Collaborative Drug Therapy Management: Partner with our pharmacists to enhance patient care, pharmacotherapy outcomes, and medication safety.
- Chronic Condition Management: We incorporate this into our medication and disease management visits, taking it off your plate and helping you attain CMS standards and reimbursement.
- Improved Outcomes: Reduced medication errors, hospitalizations, adverse drug events, and readmissions.
- EHR Integration: Seamless sharing of patient information, recommendations and care plans.
- Referral Network: Easy process for referring patients to our concierge pharmacy services.
- Outcome Measurement: Regular data-driven reporting on patient outcomes, RPM engagement, and transitions of care success.
- Care Coordination: Collaboration with primary care, specialists, and caregivers for coordinated
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Data analytics and other innovative tools and platforms support optimized care, collaboration, and desired outcomes.
Collaborating Communities: Senior Circles and Supporting Organizations
Partnerships & Community Engagement
Collaborative Partnerships:
- We partner with senior living communities, physician groups, and home health agencies to provide optimal medication outcomes to their residents and patients.
- Contact us today to service your senior community or healthcare practice needs.
Community Involvement:
- We actively host fun and creative community events such as medication game-show-style events (e.g., Medication Jeopardy, The Price is Right, etc.), brown-bag sessions, medication take-back days, etc., and participate in health fairs, senior organization educational events, mental health events, etc.
Are You Shielded & Getting The Best Out of Your Medications?
Optimizing your health conditions entails taking the most appropriate drugs or supplements in the right way at the right times, using the right combinations. It mitigates costs and adverse drug events like interactions, side effects, polypharmacy, inappropriate or ineffective medications, wrong dosing, hospitalizations, death, and other drug-related harms. It enables you to get the most out of your medicines, achieve your health goals, and enjoy your golden years!
Discover how our concierge medication services can optimize and secure your health, independence, and quality of life!