While the holiday season is a festive time for many, it can cause depression for seniors who've lost loved ones or are having health or financial problems.
For some seniors, this despondency can lead to suicide, according to the American Geriatrics Society, which noted that the 2004 suicide rate for Americans over the age of 65 was 14 per 100,000. Considering the current economic crisis, I expect much of the same in 2009.
Many older people don't realize when they're depressed. Seniors need to understand that depression is a medical illness that can be treated and managed. “Toughing it out” may have devastating effects. Pharmacists have an expanded role to play during these stressful times.
It’s hard at times to pick our heads up from the computer screen, especially during flu season, but a pharmacist's job is more than “ putting pills in a bottle.”
A review of the medication profile alerts you if the patient is in treatment already. Ask the patient how they are doing. If you’re an independent pharmacist, your patients already are comfortable talking with you.
Their responses might indicate a need for an antidepressant dosage adjustment, or that a visit to the appropriate health professional is warranted.
And, what about your own Blues? Well, you already know the answer. Patients come first as you have done from the day you opened the door. I know, I did it myself for 25 years.
Be well and Happy Holidays to you all!
Bill Popomaronis, R.Ph., NCPA vice president, home health and long term care pharmacy services, provides his thoughts and explanations on the latest DME information from CMS.
