One Senior’s Story

Gladys is 79 years old and lives in Durham, where she was born. For many years, she worked as a secretary to supplement her family’s income. After she and her husband retired, Gladys’ husband died of a heart attack, and life hasn’t been the same since.

Now Gladys has her own health problems, including diabetes and high blood pressure. She sees three different doctors and gets prescriptions from all three, though sometimes, she can’t afford to have them filled. It’s tough to pay the rent, buy food, and take seven medications on her income of $880 a month. Though Gladys has heard of Medicare’s prescription drug benefit, she doesn’t really understand how it works or how to apply.

Gladys doesn’t know why she’s taking two of her medicines. She thinks one of them is making her feel worse and has started skipping doses. She’s also unsure how to properly check her blood sugar. Gladys needs help to obtain and better manage her medicines so she can feel better. Fast forward to a “brighter picture” after Gladys has made an appointment with Senior PHARMAssist.

Our pharmacist met with Gladys and discussed her medications with her. After we consulted with her primary physician and community pharmacist, two of Gladys’ medications were discontinued. Our pharmacist also showed Gladys how to properly check her blood sugar and made some dietary suggestions.

Another staff member helped Gladys apply for a special government subsidy so she could afford to purchase Medicare prescription coverage - that same staff member later helped her enroll in the best Medicare drug plan for her particular needs. In addition to Medicare drug coverage, Gladys is now receiving help from Senior PHARMAssist with some of her out-of-pocket medication expenses. And our staff has connected her with Red Cross transportation and Meals on Wheels services.

Gladys’ health has improved significantly, and she feels more confident about the care she receives.

In Durham Senior PHARMAssist is there to help Gladys and other seniors with limited incomes, 65 and older, who share similar stories.

Participant Feedback

“You’re just full of information today, and I sure appreciate it. Here I am medicated to the gills and didn’t even know it. Some days my mind never does seem to wake up.”

“You relieve a lot of worry!”

“I will never forget my experience with you and how great it was to get my medications and they not cost $500 or more each month … I wish everyone could have the same experience I did.”

“As soon as you walk in that door they put you at ease; they treat you like you are somebody.”

— Senior PHARMAssist Participants

“This is a dream come true for Momma.”

— daughter of participant

Participant Facts

• Many of our participants have had to go without medications they needed.
• Our participants visit the doctor about once a month on average.
• Many have trouble finding a ride to the doctor or pharmacy.
• Our average participant has a monthly income of $948 and takes five to six prescription medicines.
• Over 80% of our participants are women, and almost half live alone.
• Many participants rate their health as fair to poor when we first see them.