Inside: Make the most of May at your independent pharmacy by celebrating Older Americans Month. It’s the perfect time to remind seniors about the products and services your pharmacy offers.
Did you know May is Older Americans Month?
It’s a month dedicated to acknowledging and honoring the contributions of older adults to our nation.
Older people likely make up a high percentage of the patient base at your independent community pharmacy, and they’re often the ones who rely on you most.
And more than ever before, older Americans are taking charge of their wellness.
Your pharmacy is the perfect partner to help them achieve their health goals.
5 Easy Ideas to Celebrate Older Americans Month
Show your older patients how much you appreciate them. Celebrate Older Americans Month in your pharmacy with these easy ideas.
1. Offer free or discounted services to seniors
Your older patients rely on your pharmacy for more than prescriptions. This month, give them a free health screening or discount off a clinical service to show your appreciation.
Free services to offer seniors throughout the month include:
- Prescription delivery
- Fall risk screening
- Medication regimen assessments
- Blood pressure testing
- Vaccinations
2. Spend time talking to seniors
The pharmacist is like a celebrity. Sometimes, speaking directly with the pharmacist seems like a special occasion for senior patients who may not get out of the house often.
Many patients wish they could have more one-on-one time to get their questions answered without feeling rushed or brushed aside.
And, none of your patients value personalized customer service more than your older generation.
Prioritize your senior patients by personally asking about their needs and actively listening to them this month. Make them feel as if you have all the time in the world for them.
3. Showcase senior patients on social media
Few things show your enthusiasm for someone more than praising them to the world.
Highlight your senior patients to the public through your social media accounts. Posts can showcase stories of patients, local events for seniors, newspaper articles on seniors and more.
Create a unique hashtag and invite your social media followers to share as well. Ask them trivia questions about the older generation. Or, ask them to post personal stories or share their favorite seniors in history.
4. Host a celebratory event for Older Americans month
Nothing says celebration like a party.
Especially if you’re throwing it during off hours.
Any event at your pharmacy or in the community will build awareness and show appreciation for older Americans.
Try one of these events suggested by the Administration for Community Living (ACL):
- A special program, like a talent show
- A program with a keynote speaker from your community
- An event with proceeds that go to a local charity or program that supports older adults
- A volunteer day, like gardening in public areas or helping at assisted living facilities
- A resource fair, class, workshop or lecture on wellness or health topics covered by this year’s Older Americans Month theme, “Engage at Every Age”
5. Sponsor a benefit or event for seniors
Your community most likely hosts its own events or benefits for the older population.
Reach out to the hosts and ask if your pharmacy can sponsor one.
When you put your pharmacy’s name and support behind an event honoring seniors, you showcase your dedication to and appreciation of them.
Appreciate your older patients this month, and they’ll always appreciate your pharmacy.
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