Alice is 75 years old and recently bereaved. She now lives alone. She visits the pharmacy every week to buy soap, shampoo, and other cosmetic items, and for her prescriptions. It is early spring and you notice that she seems to be losing weight and that she has a large bruise on her chin. You feel worried about Alice and wonder how you can best help her. Discuss in your team:

• What questions could you ask Alice to try to find out whether she has any health or other worries?
• What could be causing Alice's weight loss and why? What could you suggest?
• What could be the cause of the bruise on her chin?
• How might you help Alice to avoid falls in her home?
• What opportunities are there locally to help Alice get out and meet people? Perhaps you could research what's available and keep a list of such opportunities (e.g. lunch clubs, days out, etc). Do any of your local schools work with older people to get the pupils to meet with them for social occasions?
• What medication is Alice taking? Could any of her medicines be causing poor appetite or contributing to falls? Which medicines can contribute to falls?