June is Men’s Health Month, a time to spotlight the unique health challenges that men face—and the crucial role we all play in supporting their well-being, especially as they age. In long-term care settings, where residents often manage multiple conditions and medications, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to help men live longer, healthier, and more comfortable lives.
At Mountain Care Pharmacy, we believe every conversation about men’s health is an opportunity to improve quality of life—not just for the residents we serve, but for the families and caregivers who love them.
💊 Medication Adherence: Small Pills, Big Impact
Let’s be honest—managing a medication regimen in a skilled nursing facility can be tricky. Whether it’s remembering the right time to take a pill or understanding what it’s for, men often need extra support when it comes to medication adherence.
Pharmacists help by:
- Reviewing med lists regularly to remove duplicates or unnecessary prescriptions
- Simplifying regimens (fewer doses per day = better compliance)
- Collaborating with nursing staff to ensure doses are administered on schedule
- Educating residents and families in clear, no-jargon language
This is especially important for men managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol—where sticking to a consistent med routine directly impacts outcomes.
Prostate & Cardiovascular Care: Preventing the Preventable
As men age, prostate and heart health rise to the top of the concern list. Conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and cardiovascular disease are incredibly common, and pharmacists play a proactive role in managing both.
Here’s how we help:
- Monitoring for side effects from medications like alpha-blockers or statins
- Helping manage polypharmacy when residents are prescribed meds by multiple providers
- Identifying drug interactions that may worsen dizziness, fall risk, or blood pressure fluctuations
- Providing guidance on timing of medications, especially those affecting urinary function or nighttime symptoms
These small adjustments can dramatically improve comfort, confidence, and independence for aging men.
🧠 Mind Matters: Addressing Mental Health in Men
Mental health doesn’t always get the attention it deserves—especially in men. But in long-term care settings, depression, anxiety, and isolation are very real concerns. Sadly, these can go underreported in older men who were raised in a “tough it out” era.
Pharmacists can help by:
- Screening for mood changes during med reviews
- Recommending appropriate antidepressants or adjustments if needed
- Collaborating with care teams to reduce medications that may worsen mood or cognition
- Encouraging open conversation around mental health in a compassionate, non-clinical way
It’s okay not to be okay—and it’s our job to help make that message feel safe and accessible.
🍽 Nutrition & Supplement Guidance: Fueling Health from the Inside Out
As men age, appetite changes, medication side effects, and chronic conditions can all impact nutritional intake. While supplements like multivitamins, calcium, or prostate support formulas are often added to the mix, they can sometimes interact with prescription medications or be unnecessary.
How pharmacists support better nutrition:
- Review supplement use for safety and relevance
- Watch for interactions (especially with blood thinners or heart meds)
- Recommend appropriate vitamin and mineral dosing based on lab results
- Help manage side effects like constipation or appetite suppression
When pharmacists and dietary teams collaborate, residents benefit from safer, more personalized care.
💬 Encouraging Preventive Conversations: Breaking the Silence Around Men’s Health
Sometimes, the biggest barrier to better health isn’t physical—it’s cultural. Many older men may be reluctant to bring up symptoms of pain, urinary changes, or emotional distress. Pharmacists can help normalize these conversations during med reviews or informal interactions.
What we do:
- Ask open-ended questions in a relaxed, respectful way
- Identify symptoms that might indicate drug side effects—not just “getting older”
- Encourage timely screenings and checkups (e.g., PSA, blood pressure, cholesterol)
It’s often the small, low-pressure moments that lead to big health improvements—and we’re here to support those every step of the way.
💙 Final Thoughts: The Power of a Pharmacy Partner
Men’s health in long-term care is about more than just pills—it’s about dignity, independence, and quality of life. Whether it’s helping manage prostate symptoms, keeping blood pressure in check, or supporting emotional wellness, pharmacists are vital allies on the journey.
This Men’s Health Month, let’s keep the conversation going. If you have questions about medications, side effects, or ways we can better support the men in your care, reach out to your Mountain Care Pharmacy team. We’re here to help—no appointment required.
