Senior Care Pharmacists

Pharmacists are health care professionals responsible for the dispensation of prescription and nonprescription medications. They may advise physicians, nurses, or other health care professionals on the use of medications, and they also give patients instructions for taking and storing medicines. Senior care pharmacists, who are also known as geriatric care pharmacists, have expert knowledge regarding the medical conditions of the elderly and the treatments for these conditions. Many factors must be considered when treating the elderly, making this a complicated process. One factor to keep in mind is that older bodies react differently to medications than younger bodies. In addition, many older people have more than one health problem and take more than one medication. According to the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, more than 90 percent of American seniors have at least one chronic condition, and more than 75 percent have two. As people get older that number only increases. Because of factors such as these, senior care pharmacists work closely with other members of health-care professionals in caring for a patient. Senior care pharmacists' responsibilities include keeping records on their patients' drug regimens, advising health professionals on what medicines to use and giving training on how to use them, and monitoring patients' progress and adjusting medicines as needed.

Salary Range

$75,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Doctorate

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

About as Fast as the Average

Personality Traits

Helpful

Problem-Solving

Scientific

Career Ladder

Consulting Business Owner or Professor

Experienced Senior Care Pharmacist

Entry-Level Senior Care Pharmacist