Three Pharmacist-Led Programs Address Falls Risk at CCRC

An article ​in the January 2014 Home Healthcare Nurse describes three pharmacist-led programs to reduce the risk of falls and the risk for injury from falls at a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). In one program, the pharmacist assesses vitamin D levels of new residents and reviews annual checks for long-term residents during monthly, on-site medication reviews. At team meetings, the pharmacist presents vitamin D blood levels (baseline and follow-up, if relevant) and vitamin D supplementation regimens. This program has improved monitoring of vitamin D levels, increased supplementation, improved attention to vitamin D formulations and dosages during care transitions, and identified gaps in communication among providers and with laboratory services. Another program involves use of a falls risk quality assurance evaluation form for assisted-living residents who fall frequently.