Managing medicines in a care home is complex.
Many residents live with several long-term conditions. Dose changes are common. In addition, administration needs can vary from person to person.
Without clear processes, the risk of missed doses, duplication, or delays can rise. However, the right care home pharmacy service can make medicines management safer and easier.
Below are seven practical ways a pharmacy partner can improve safety, efficiency, and resident wellbeing.
1. Reliable medication ordering and supply
A proactive pharmacy helps you plan ahead, rather than reacting to problems. For example, they can:
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Coordinate repeat prescriptions
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Agree clear ordering and delivery timelines
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Reduce last-minute shortages
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Support urgent supply where lawful and appropriate
As a result, staff spend less time chasing items, and residents are more likely to receive medicines on time.
2. Clear and accurate MAR charts
Safe administration depends on accurate Medication Administration Records (MARs). A specialist team can:
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Produce clear, easy-to-read MAR charts
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Update MARs promptly after dose changes
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Provide separate “when required” (PRN) documentation where needed
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Support checking steps for higher-risk medicines
Therefore, administration becomes more consistent, audits are simpler, and errors are less likely.
3. Staff training and competency support
Care home teams juggle many responsibilities. So, regular training makes a real difference.
Pharmacy-led training may cover:
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Safe administration basics
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Higher-risk medicines (such as insulin or anticoagulants)
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Competency checks and refreshers
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Updates when guidance or policies change
Consequently, staff confidence improves and good practice is easier to maintain.
4. Medicines reviews and deprescribing support
Polypharmacy is common in care homes. Because of that, regular reviews can help reduce avoidable harm.
In partnership with prescribers, pharmacy input can help to:
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Identify medicines that may no longer be needed
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Spot interactions, side effects, or duplication
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Support deprescribing where appropriate
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Simplify regimens to improve adherence
Over time, streamlined treatment plans can improve comfort and quality of life.
5. Controlled drugs and fridge-line support
Controlled drugs and temperature-sensitive medicines require strict processes and record-keeping. A pharmacy partner can support:
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Accurate controlled drug (CD) registers
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Safe storage procedures and best practice
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Stock checks and discrepancy investigations
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Appropriate disposal pathways for waste medicines
As a result, you strengthen compliance and reduce the risk of incidents.
6. Clear guidance for PRN (“when required”) medicines
PRN medicines need clear instructions. Otherwise, they can be under-used or over-used.
Pharmacy support may include:
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PRN protocols with clear criteria for use
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Monitoring templates (to record effect and outcomes)
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Non-medicine approaches alongside PRN use where suitable
This helps teams make consistent decisions and supports safer, more effective care.
7. Responsive support when residents’ needs change
Care home medicines can change quickly. For instance, hospital discharges, new diagnoses, or sudden deterioration can all affect treatment.
A reliable pharmacy partner can offer:
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A named point of contact
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Practical advice on side effects or administration issues
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Support communicating with prescribers and families
That continuity reassures staff and supports safer transitions of care.
Choosing the right pharmacy partner for your care home
Before you choose, look for:
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Proven experience supporting care homes
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Strong governance and clear accountability
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Ongoing training and regular review processes
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Clear communication and escalation pathways
Ultimately, a strong partnership turns medicines management from a daily pressure into a safer, smoother system.
How Newgen can help
Newgen Pharmacy supports care homes with coordinated prescription management, MAR chart services, audit support, and practical guidance for higher-risk medicines, controlled drugs, and fridge-line processes. In addition, we provide training and ongoing support to help you build robust, compliant systems that protect residents.
Compliance note: We never publicly promote prescription-only medicines. Any treatment decisions are made with prescribers after appropriate assessment.
Author & Content Writer: Dr Naeem Aslam
