PHARMACEUTICAL CARE FOR HOME-DWELLING ELDERLY PERSONS - A DETERMINATION OF NEED AND PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

To determine the need for pharmaceutical care services within a commun ity-based, case management program for elders, an assessment of medica tion, health, and functional status was completed by a pharmacist on 4 9 home-dwelling older adults. The goal of this assessment was to suppo rt the need for pharmacists as members of multidisciplinary teams that provide comprehensive, in-home care for elderly persons. Pharmacists can identify drug misadventures that have the potential to lead to los s of independent living status, hospital admissions, and death. This a rticle describes this program and the results of the assessment that s upported the decision to include a pharmacist on the multidisciplinary team.