The pharmacy team is well placed to support older patients, as well as their carers and families. This can include checking whether a medication review might be appropriate, particularly if they have been discharged from hospital, and offering simple lifestyle advice to boost their health and wellbeing, such as diet, smoking and alcohol (if appropriate), taking physical activity and ensuring the home is safe from obstacles that could increase the risk of falls and injuries.

Pharmacy teams should also remember the importance of mental health and social contact in old age and be prepared to support older people on these matters too.