Brookdale Develops Pharmacy Partners Volunteer Program

Through a grant awarded by the United Hospital Fund, Brookdale’s Volunteer Department has developed a program in collaboration, with the Adult Literacy Media Alliance to train volunteers to develop the skills to help patients read prescription labels and to properly manage their medication.

Working in the Brookdale Retail Pharmacy, the Linden Family Care Center and the Treatment for Life Center, a group of specially trained volunteers now have the ability to assist patients understand the sometimes confusing medication labels. Important issues such as proper dosing and how to use a weekly pill container to improve medication compliance are addressed.

The Pharmacy Partners Program has successfully trained 11 volunteers to provide one-on-one assistance and education to Brookdale’s outpatient population.  The goal of the program is to improve the patients’ understanding of medication safety as well as teach them the necessary skills to manage multiple medications. Patients are provided tools to help them better understand their medications and are also encouraged to maintain a medical journal to record important health information.