megram - Index

megram - 55JunOttawa - Index

and/or the patient’s local pharmacy. It is one way Anya
works to keep each member of the medical team up-to-date
— she calls it “seamless care” — in an effort to prevent
problems down the road.
The Ontario government wants to see more seniors
access this type of personal service from a pharmacist. In
July of last year, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
launched a new program for Ontarians called MedsCheck,
which guarantees anyone taking three or more prescriptions
an annual half-hour visit with a pharmacist.The pharmacist
also provides the patient with an updated, comprehensive
medication list. Like the duo-tang Anya puts together,
the list provides clarity and peace of mind to patients
and their families, and is a useful summary for health care
providers.
“We recognize pharmacists for the valuable role they
play in patient care,” said then-Health Minister George
Smitherman. “This… will ensure people are getting the
most from their medications by taking them properly and
safely.”
That’s welcome news to Anya, who says she’s encouraged
to see the role of the neighbourhood pharmacist —
“one of the most accessible health care professionals out
there” — recognized and appreciated.
While MedsCheck, which is covered by OHIP, is not
targeted specifically to seniors, it is available at any pharmacy.However,like
Anya,more and more pharmacists are
expanding their own credentials to become Certified
Geriatrics Pharmacists (CGPs).In Ontario alone,there are
nearly 100 CGPs listed with the Commission for
Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy. And not all of them
work in urban centres — quite a few work in smaller
cities and communities, including Kingston, Picton,
Trenton, Gloucester, Bolton, Binbrook, Prescott and
Barrie. (To locate a CGP, go online to
http://www.ccgp.org/consumer/locate.htm.)
Anya, who has been a pharmacist for 20 years, says
she decided to get her certification in geriatric pharmacy
because she was already working with seniors on a regular
basis through the Day Hospital and inpatient programs
at Providence Care. She says it is known that population
demographics are shifting, and in the near future there
will be higher numbers of people over age 65 needing
medical care.
“Plus, we’re using more and more medications —
today’s seniors have an average of six conditions that have
to be treated with pharmaceuticals,” says Anya. “And it’s
great to know I’m cutting edge and working at a hospital
— Providence Care — that is a centre of excellence in geriatric
medicine.”
“Going through their prescriptions gives my clients a
sense of control — they know what their medications do,”
Anya continues.“And it makes me feel as though I’ve made
June 2008 • 50 • Fifty-Five Plus Magazine
a difference. Seniors are incredibly appreciative — I have a
rewarding job. It is great to feel that I can empower them
to have a better quality of life.”
Jennifer Goodwin is a writer from Kingston.
Would you benefit from
talking to your pharmacist?
• Do you take three or more medications?
• Do you also take over-the-counter or herbal remedies
on a regular basis?
• Does more than one doctor prescribe medication
for you on a regular basis?
• Are you unclear why you are taking any one of your
medications?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions,
talk to your pharmacist about your concerns and
questions. Any Ontarian who takes more than three
medications daily is entitled to a 30-minute visit, covered
by OHIP, with a pharmacist each year.
What to bring to a visit
with your pharmacist
All of your current medications — including prescription
bottles, vitamins and over-the-counter and
herbal remedies.
A list of medications you have taken in the past
that have caused allergic reactions, adverse reactions,
or intolerable side effects.
A list of your medical conditions and diseases.
To find a Certified Geriatric Pharmacist near you,
visit http://www.ccgp.org/consumer/locate.htm.