The world has evolved, and so have service-providing methods. Medical prescriptions previously needed an in-person visit to the pharmacy to collect. Medication fulfillment and refills can be made through the mail, a service even provided by local drug stores such as CVS. This service is especially useful if transportation, mobility issues, or illness makes it difficult to physically collect medication from the pharmacy. These challenges are more likely to be experienced by senior citizens.

Prescription Delivery Services for Elders: pros, cons and tips

The world has evolved, and so have service providing methods. Medical prescriptions previously needed an in-person visit to the pharmacy to collect. Medication fulfillment and refills can be made through the mail, a service even provided by local drug stores such as CVS.

This service is especially useful if transportation, mobility issues or illness makes it difficult to physically collect medication from the pharmacy. These challenges are more likely to be experienced by senior citizens.

Depending on their policy, some pharmacies offer delivery services with little or no extra charge. The pharmacy can be local working in just one town or a national pharmacy with more than 1 outlet in different cities and towns.

The process is simple. The pharmacy will collect the prescriptions electronically from the doctor, eliminating the need for a paper prescription to be presented in person to the pharmacist. Refills are also managed electronically.

The pharmacy dispenses the medicine and doses as per the prescription, ready to be shipped or delivered. The most common delivery method is via U.S mail. The medication can also be delivered to your door by private Delivery Service providers.

Once the medication is in your hand, you ensure that you have received the correct medicine. Check that the following information is correct

·         Name of the patient.

·         Name of the medication with correct dosage information

·         Name of the prescriber (doctor) with contact information

·         Name, address and telephone number of the dispenser or pharmacy.

·         Current date of its filling or refilling.

It is advisable to read any accompanying literature, especially if you take the medicine for the first time. Understand the side effects and any drug interactions. Most pharmacies provide free consultation for any medicines they dispense. If in doubt, call the pharmacy.

Pros of using Prescription Delivery Services

1.      Convenience

2.      Easy to manage

3.      Automatic refills for the medicines

4.      Delivering on the same day of receiving the order

1.       Convenience

Receiving prescribed medicine without leaving the residence is handy, particularly for the elderly. Prescriptions that are easily accessible may encourage elders to take their meds as prescribed. Some delivery services supply medicine in Pre-sorted Blister Packets, saving time and ensuring proper medication use for elders.

2.       Easy to manage

Several pharmacies feature websites or applications that can help people organize, track, and purchase their medicines. Family members can simply assist an elder with problems navigating the app or website.

3.       Automatic refills for the medicines

Auto-replenish services will supply medicine at pre-scheduled intervals to elders who have trouble recalling the refilling of the medication.

4.       Delivering on the same day of receiving the order

Same-day delivery may be possible based on the service you pick. If your loved one is given a new drug that needs to be taken right away, same-day treatment is beneficial.

Cons of using Prescription Delivery Services

Following are the cons of using the prescription delivery services for Elders:

1.       Receiving more quantity than prescribed

Suppose a prescription is on auto-refill but is no longer needed. It must be remembered to discontinue the auto-refill to prevent overpaying for and getting the extra medicines. Furthermore, if a doctor changes the quantity or frequency of a prescription while auto-refills continue to arrive, you end up with more medication at the wrong dosage than required.

2.       Shipping delays:

Although drug stores may offer same-day deliveries, mail-order medicines might take several days to reach the destination. If treatment needs to start straight away or their stock is running thin, longer response time or delays might be an issue.

3.       Other challenges in managing the process:

It may be difficult to track which medicine has arrived and how it is used when medicines arrive through postal or courier service. Keep prescriptions so that the oldest medicine is used well before it expires.

Tips on managing the Prescription Delivery Services for elders

If you are going to purchase a prescription service, here are a few tips to help

1.       Getting others more involved:

Get help with managing medicines while using a home delivery service. It might be as basic as help setting up an insulin auto-refill or help with saving a line of credit when using a billing system that automatically proceeds without you completing the whole process.

2.       Setting up a practical system:

Set up a method for storing prescriptions once they have been delivered. Search for a "pharmacy delivery service" that arranges pills ahead of time and gives you a blister pack to take with you. Ensure that the package is unpacked as soon as possible and stored appropriately in the cabinet or refrigerator.

3.       Hiring a professional

Proper medication administration and safekeeping are essential. A skilled in-home caregiver can assist with prescription management. They can be an integral part of a care team.

Visit our website and hire available caregivers to assist with medication management at home.