Medical Equipment for Senior Care Homes
The pharmaceutical needs of customers in our community extend well beyond prescriptions and over the counter medication. At Silver Fox Pharmacy, we’re dedicated to providing you with a wide range of products and services to be your one stop shop for all your health care supply needs, including medical equipment for senior care homes. Get The Medical Equipment You Need To Support Your Residents One segment of the population we work close with are senior care homes. This includes retirement living communities and long-term care facilities. Through our partnership with MED+ Medical Equipment Distribution, we offer senior care homes a wide range of Home Care Products. This includes a wide range of medical equipment for those who have mobility issues, require assistance after a medical procedure or operation, or are recovering from a medical condition. Whether you operate a senior care home, or you’re a loved one of a person in a seniors home, we can help you get access to the medical assistive devices and equipment you need. What Medical Equipment Do We Supply To Senior Care Homes? We offer a large selection of equipment and supplies for home care residents. We make sure your residents get the support they need. Here’s a list of the medical equipment we can help supply through MED+: Bathroom safety equipment: Choose from a wide selection of bathroom safety accessories such as grab bars, bathmats, raises toilet seats, shower chairs and benches and much more. Hospital beds: We offer a variety of hospital beds to meet your specific health and comfort requirements. Commercial fixtures: Whether you need soap or sanitizer dispenser, toilet paper holders, or other fixtures, we can help. Commodes: Choose from a selection of commodes that can be used in many different settings. Wheelchairs: We offer a large offering of manual wheelchairs, power wheel chairs, and transport chairs. Canes and crutches: We can supply you with a number of different types of canes and crutches to meet the needs of your residents. Walkers/rollators: Ensure your residents can be more mobile with the use of walkers and rollators. Lifts and ramps: Lifts and ramps play a huge role in improving seniors mobility. We can help you choose the right lifts and ramps to serve your residents. Incontinence: Stock up on incontinence supplies for your residents. Not sure how you’ll get the equipment? We have this covered too. We’ll help coordinate the delivery and setup of your medical equipment. We know each facility has unique needs and processes. Our personalized service will ensure residents at the care facility will get the support they need. Contact Us For All Your Medical Equipment Needs At Silver Fox, we specialize in the distribution of medical supplies, and equipment, including a medical equipment rental fleet. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with all your medical equipment needs.
5 Reasons Why Your Home Needs a Reliable Medical Equipment Supplier
Reliability is important in all aspects of your life. But when it comes to your health and medical needs, it’s paramount. You need to choose doctors, pharmacies, and medical equipment suppliers you can trust will be there for you when you need them most. The same is applicable to care facilities and senior homes. There are many different supplies and equipment you need to do your job. If you can’t get the support, you need when you need it, residents will suffer and you won’t be able to provide the best care possible. Therefore, you need to create a partnership with a reliable medical equipment supplier. Here are 5 reasons why: 1. Simplicity There are a lot of challenges in running a care facility. But getting essential supplies and equipment to operate efficiently should be an issue. At Silver Fox, we make it simple for our partners to get the medical equipment they need when they need it. Get all your medical supplies, equipment, and services in one place. It’s quick, efficient, and easy. 2. Get The Support You Need When You Need It Our customer support representatives have extensive experience working with all types of Canadian care facilities through the continuum of care. We work with all types of organizations including home care services, assisted living, retirement, and long-term care. 3. Peace of Mind All types of businesses need to work with organizations they can trust. It’s important to work with people you can count on to deliver the supplies you need. As a medical equipment supplier, we give you peace of mind in knowing that you’ll receive your supplies on time. And, if there is an issue with your order or there’s a temporary shortage of supply, we’ll inform you. We’ll help you make an alternate arrangement to ensure your facility can still provide high-quality services to your patrons. 4. Predictability Having regular outages of equipment and medical supplies that you need is not a good way to operate. This can negatively affect the quality of care you provide to your residents. A reliable supplier will ensure you have what you need and make it easier for you to order your supplies and plan your operations plan. 5. Satisfaction and Reputation When you can consistently provide a high level of care to the people in your facility, this will help create a more satisfying and comfortable environment for them. This will also help you develop a strong reputation in your industry for being a reliable care facility. Reliability passes down the line and will help you run a more efficient business as a result. At Silver Fox, we specialize in the distribution of medical supplies, and equipment, including a medical equipment rental fleet. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with all your medical equipment needs.
Understanding the Technology Used to Manage Medications in Senior Care Settings
Medication management is a very important aspect of helping seniors get the care they need. But the process can be complex. It involves prescribing medication, order communication, transmission, and verification, and dispensing and administration. Among these steps, errors can arise. For someone dependent on specific doses of medications, mistakes could mean potentially harmful health repercussions. Today, technology is playing an increasingly important role in the process to manage medications in a senior care setting. Below we’ll talk about what medication management technology is and how it can make medication management more efficient. What Is Medication Management Technology? There has become increased reliance on medication management technology to make it easier for people to get their medication in senior care settings. The Institute on Aging defines it in this way: “Medication management technology is a crucial part of the health technology revolution. It is one of the more important components of aging in place because it minimizes the danger of messing up medications.” Inherent Issues With Medication Management If you are reliant on taking medication daily, there are inherent issues with managing it. What if you miss a dose? What if you take too much? Can you take certain medications with others? Are there certain foods you should avoid? Managing your medication as outlined by your pharmacy can get confusing. Doing this for dozen or hundreds of seniors at a care facility can exponentially make things more challenging for caregivers. How Medication Management Technology Helps Through the use of Smartphone apps and software programs, caregivers can stay on top of medication management. These programs allow care homes to manage all their senior’s medication needs individually and collectively. It can help with: Scheduling: Providing alerts for when medications are to be taken Dosage: A clear outline of the dosages to be taken Consultation: The ability to consult a pharmacist or doctor in real-time to get answers to your questions about the medication or dosing. Education and background: You have access to medication histories so you’ll be able to check if certain medications can be taken with others. This will help you verify before administering doses. Medication management technology is only going to evolve, become more intuitive and become an even more valuable resource for caregivers in the future. How Silver Fox Uses Technology To Manage Medications And Work With Healthcare Teams At Silver Fox Pharmacy, we use a variety of technologies to make it easier for senior care teams. They include: Integrated eMAR: We work with various eMAR solutions, including PointClickCare, MED ecare and Yardi, and support the system that best meets each of our home’s needs. Computerized Physician Order Entry: We offer the most advanced electronic prescribing tool which enhances communication between healthcare team members, and greater compliance through electronic documentation of orders. We also offer education and consultant services to health providers to make it easier to use technology to manage medication in a senior care setting.
Specialty Pharmacy vs. Local Pharmacy, What Is the Difference?
Many people assume all pharmacies are the same, but this is not the case. The type of pharmacy you use can have a big impact on your level of care. It can affect the types of products and services available. As people age, they use pharmacies more frequently. This is particularly the case for seniors and anyone living in long-term care or retirement community. In this blog, we’ll look at some of the differences between the level of service and products available at a specialty pharmacy and a local pharmacy. What is a specialty pharmacy? Specialty pharmacies are more involved with patient care. They work more closely with patients and doctors to provide care and medications for chronic or severe illnesses. They work with people who have more complex health conditions. What is a local pharmacy? A local pharmacy is often independently owned and operated. They usually have one or two locations and are smaller than the more common big brand pharmacies. You go to local pharmacies to get prescriptions filled and to buy over-the-counter medications and health supplies. What is the difference between a specialty pharmacy and a local pharmacy? As the name suggests, a specialty pharmacy offers a deeper level of service to those who use it. Specialty pharmacies focus on providing care to people who have long-term chronic illnesses. They offer disease management and more advanced patient care. Local pharmacies, on the other hand, offer medication for the general public. It is intended for people who occasionally require a prescription or medicine. Here are some of the differences between specialty and local pharmacies: Medications: Most of the medications that are offered by local pharmacies are simple to administer. Specialty pharmacies offer more advanced and detailed medicines that require more thorough explanations. This is offered by the pharmacist. Medical advice: Specialty pharmacies offer extensive counselling and medical advice to ensure people are taking medication properly. There is a focus on ongoing care rather than a one-off transaction for minor ailments. The severity of the medical condition: Specialty pharmacies specialize in working with people who have more serious or chronic conditions. This is also why they are a great option for seniors. It allows older people (whether they live at home or in a care facility) to get more advanced care. This includes everything from education, consultations, and assistance with taking medications. Patient monitoring: Specialty pharmacies are somewhat of an extension of your health care provider. They provide monitoring services to help people at all times. They have dedicated staff and great availability to help people with medication needs at all times. Patents are in regular communication with the staff and have the ability to make adjustments to treatment as needed. Standards: Specialty pharmacies are required to go through additional reviews and accreditations to offer more specialized services. They have to meet a certain standard for patient care. They must meet additional safety measures.
5 Reasons Why Retirement Homes Could Benefit from Specialized Pharmacy Services
There is no doubt that Canadians rely more upon pharmacy services as we age. As we get older, there is an increasing need for people to use specialized services. Many people over 65 have more than one health issue, and many are chronic conditions. When once people move into retirement home, there is even more of a need for pharmacy services. Residents in retirement homes commonly move because they require additional care. So, its beneficial for retirement homed to partner with a local pharmacy to make these specialized services available. “With the aging of the population and growing demand for LTC, pharmacies and pharmacists will increasingly be called upon to provide medication-related services for LTC residents. Meeting these needs will be challenging and will require attention to adaptive policies and programs, regulations, and funding approaches,” says The Conference Board of Canada in A Primer on the Value of Pharmacy Services in LongTerm Care Settings in Canada. Here are some of the reasons why retirement homes can benefit from specialized pharmacy services: 1. It is a key consideration for seniors There are a lot of factors that seniors and their families consider when choosing a retirement home. Offering specialized pharmacy services to residents could be a key differentiator. It is a great feature that you can market and show how your retirement home takes care to the next level. Additional care options will always be an attractive feature for anyone considering moving into a retirement home. 2. Easier access to care The ability to access specialized services from a local pharmacy expands the level of health care that can be provided to residents. There is more you can get out of your local pharmacy partner. It also makes it easier for care workers to support and assist residents. Overall, it creates a more comprehensive care process for people. This gives residents and care providers with greater peace of mind in knowing they have the support they need. 3. Customization of care Everyone is different. Even two people with the same medical condition can require a different plan to manage their condition. Specialized pharmacy services enable retirement homes to further customize the type of care they can offer residents. 4. A better partnership with the pharmacy When retirement homes start to use more specialized pharmacy services, they develop a deeper relationship with the pharmacists and others at the pharmacy. The creates a deeper relationship and can help the pharmacy better understand the needs of retirement home residents. It can also help them understand how to better support retirement home staff. 5. Access to additional services when you need it Specialized pharmacy services make it easier for retirement homes to operate more effectively. You will be more prepared to manage a variety of different situations. The more access you have to assistance from pharmacies, the better overall qualify of care you can provide to residents at all times.
Understanding the Important Role Pharmacists Play in Long Term Care Homes
Pharmacists are an integral part of a patient’s care team in long-term care homes. While most know that a pharmacist’s role is to handle, dispense and prepare medications, many aren’t aware of the special role they play in long-term care homes. Most long-term care homes have a pharmacy on site, with very good reason. Here are some of the reasons it’s so important to have a pharmacist in a long-term care home. Pharmacists become on-site caregivers One of the benefits of a long-term care home is consistent access to care and medical advice or care for residents. However, Drs are not there 24/7. Pharmacists have the knowledge and expertise to offer personalized medical advice and assessments and are often easier to get time with than a physician may be. Pharmacists in a long-term care home will know patients just as well as their physicians and can offer advice as needed. This is just another layer of the care long-term care residents receive. Specialization Pharmacists in long-term care are specialists in this patient population. Most have spent years working with older patients, and many have also worked in long-term care specifically. This means that they are uniquely in tune with the needs of long-term care residents, also understand the way the home itself works, and know the staff. Ensuring patients have a consistent protocol Most patients who are in a long-term care facility have a medication protocol that they must follow. Adherence to this protocol and ensuring that the medications these patients need are available when they need them is a major part of maintaining consistency in protocols. Unique and tailored approaches A Pharmacist’s role will vary greatly based on the population they are serving. As they get to know their community, they can tailor care to those in it, giving them the best possible experience. In a long-term care setting, a pharmacist will have the opportunity to get to know patients. They’ll understand details such as whether that patient can receive generic versions of their medication and prescribe accordingly. This knowledge is invaluable for an already vulnerable population and can help keep these individuals at home instead of requiring a trip to the ER. Pharmacists will also come to know and understand the cycle of illness in their long-term care home and better prepare. This could look like realizing that flu season is coming and ensuring everyone is vaccinated, and that there are appropriate medications for those who do get sick. Additional education Finally, pharmacists can be a great conduit for families to gain a better understanding of their loved one’s medical protocol. Pharmacists can explain the drugs patients are taking, any counterindications, and may be able to provide additional relevant information. Pharmacists in long-term care homes will know their patients well and be able to provide valuable insight.
Why Is It Important to Have an On-Site Pharmacy at Senior Care Homes?
People move to senior care homes because they are typically no longer able to care for themselves. They need help with day-to-day tasks such as getting their medication and visiting the local pharmacy. There are a lot of benefits of living in a senior care home. You have constant assess to care and help, you have good amenities, and you have increased social interaction. As part of the amenities offered by senior care homes, many offer an on-site pharmacy for residents to access. This is an important feature to have on-site. In A Primer on the Value of Pharmacy Services in Long Term Care Settings in Canada, by the Conference Board of Canada, they summarize the important roles pharmacies play in Long-Term Care facilities in Canada: “With the aging of the population and growing demand for LTC, pharmacies and pharmacists will increasingly be called upon to provide medication-related services for LTC residents. Meeting these needs will be challenging and will require attention to adaptive policies and programs, regulations, and funding approaches.” On-site pharmacies are a practical solution to provide better care to seniors. Below we will talk about why it is important to have an on-site pharmacy at senior care homes: Specialized care On-site pharmacies in senior care homes can specialize in geriatric care. All the medications, products and services can be catered specifically to seniors and their unique health care requirements. Regular interactions with the pharmacist allow them to get to know you and your medical history in greater detail. Seniors can develop personal and trusting relationships with their pharmacist. This allows you to get the best care possible. Fast access to prescriptions Having a pharmacy on-site provides you with much quicker access to prescriptions. You can fill and renew your medication with ease. You can drop off your prescription or call it in and come back later that is convenient to you. Any if you run out, you will have peace of mind in knowing the pharmacy is just down the hall. Shots and vaccinations The pharmacy will be able to offer on-site vaccination clinics for all your required shots. You can get your annual flu shot, shingles shots, COVID vaccines and have quick assess to COVID testing. This ensures you will get these doses on time. Medical advice Have a question about your medication? Have you developed a minor ailment and you are not sure what to take? You can speak with your pharmacist to get some advice from a professional. Get your questions answered quickly. Mobility A large number of residents who live in senior care homes have mobility issues. They use canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters. Having a pharmacy onsite is ideal for these individuals. They don’t have to worry about leaving the facility to get medication. This is particularly important when the weather is poor. You don’t need to worry about making travel arrangements.
3 Common Myths about Medicine
With access to more information than ever before, there has never been some much published online about medication and medicine. The problem is that not all of it is true or from reliable sources. There are a lot of myths and misinformation online about medicine and how it can and should be used. Having the right information about the medication you put in your body is vital. Acting based on untrue information could create negative reactions or even health emergencies in extreme cases. You don’t want to put yourself at risk. Always ensure you are consulting an authoritative source when taking advance about medicine. Speak with a doctor, pharmacist, or other type of health care professional. Here are 3 common myths about medicine that are simply not true: Once You Feel Better You Don’t Need To Finish Taking Your Prescribed Medication This is one of the most common myths out there and it is easy to understand why. If you are feeling better after taking medicine for a few days, why do you need to keep taking it? If you stop taking your medication before the allotted timeframe or dosage recommended by your doctor, you increase your odds of the issue coming back again. Then you will be back in your original situation once again. Always see a prescription through to the end, even if you feel as though you are fully recovered from your ailment. Dosages Are Only Recommendations Every type of medical, vitamin, or supplement you find at a pharmacy will include instructions for how much you should take. The label will say something like: “Take one tablet every 4-6 hours. Do not take more than 4 tablets in a 24 hour period.” However, there are some that believe this is only a loose guideline and you can take more than the recommended dosage if you have more severe symptoms. Don’t do this. Dosage instructions and recommendations are on the label for a reason. They are medically calculated by professionals. If you take more than the recommendation, you could cause another health issue. Natural Supplements And Vitamins Are Harmless Some people shy away from medicine and opt for natural supplements because there is the belief they are safer and less harmful than medications. This is not always the case. Natural does not always mean safe. The standards for supplements are not as strict as medicine. There are many different natural ingredients that could create adverse health effects. Always read the label carefully to be aware of ingredients and potential side effects. Supplements could pose a risk to your health if you are taking certain medications. Its always important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about any vitamin or supplements you are taking. Some could change the way your body absorbs medication, potentially limited its effectiveness. If you are unsure about taking medicine, get some advice from a trained professional. Speak with your family doctor or visit your local pharmacy to get accurate health care advice.