Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are designed to offer a range of living options for older adults, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. One feature that is increasingly common in CCRCs is the presence of a pharmacy on site. Here are some of the reasons why CCRCs have pharmacies and the benefits they provide to residents:
Convenience: CCRC residents often require medication management services, and having a pharmacy on site makes it more convenient for them to fill their prescriptions and manage their medications. They do not have to leave the community to get their medications, making it easier for them to stay on top of their health and well-being.
Personalized care: Pharmacies in CCRCs work closely with the healthcare providers on site to provide personalized medication management services to residents. This includes medication reconciliation, medication education, and medication adherence support. The pharmacy team can work with residents to ensure that they are taking their medications as prescribed and can adjust medications as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Collaboration with healthcare providers: CCRCs often have healthcare providers on site, such as physicians, nurses, and physical therapists. By having a pharmacy on site, there is the opportunity for collaboration between the pharmacy team and these healthcare providers. This can lead to better coordination of care for residents and improved outcomes.
Access to medical supplies: In addition to prescription medications, pharmacies in CCRCs often provide access to medical supplies, such as oxygen tanks, nebulizers, and diabetes testing supplies. This makes it easier for residents to manage their medical needs without having to leave the community.
Business stability: For entrepreneurs, opening a pharmacy within a CCRC provides a stable business opportunity. The demographics of CCRCs make them a growing market, as the population ages and there is an increasing demand for senior living options. By having a pharmacy on site, entrepreneurs can provide a much-needed service to this expanding market.
In conclusion, having a pharmacy on site at a CCRC provides numerous benefits to residents, including convenience, personalized care, collaboration with healthcare providers, access to medical supplies, and a stable business opportunity for entrepreneurs. As more CCRCs adopt this model, it is likely that pharmacies will continue to be an integral part of the senior living experience.
