Australia’s population of over 60s is growing rapidly. In fact, it’s estimated by 2066 approximately one in five people will be aged 65 and above.
While the shift signals a positive increase in our collective wellbeing, an ageing population also means increased pressure on healthcare, aged care, and community support systems.
It’s for this reason, among many others, that supporting older people in Australia to age well and remain independent at home for as long as possible is so important.
But achieving this requires more than formal aged care services alone. It depends on a connected and informed network of healthcare professionals identifying concerns early, guiding people to the right support, and helping prevent small issues from becoming major crises.
Frontline allies
As our healthcare systems increasingly shift towards prevention and integrated care, pharmacists have an opportunity to play an integral role in helping older people in Australian maintain their independence and quality of life.
For many older people, the local pharmacy is one of the most accessible and frequently visited healthcare touchpoints.
Unlike other healthcare settings, pharmacists often develop long‑term relationships and deep trust with patients and their families, seeing them regularly over the years and supporting them through everyday health challenges.
These routine interactions place pharmacists in a unique position to detect subtle shifts in a patient’s health, wellbeing, and functional independence, making them uniquely placed to help older Australians age well.
Early intervention
One of the greatest challenges facing aged care providers is that people often seek support only after significant functional decline has occurred.
A fall, medication incident, acute illness, or a hospital admission can suddenly reveal that an older person has been struggling for some time.
Yet by this stage, the interventions required are often more intensive, more costly, and more disruptive to the person’s independence.
Early intervention can fundamentally change this trajectory. When risks are identified and communicated proactively, older people can access targeted supports that help them remain safe, confident, and independent at home.
This proactive action can prevent minor health challenges from escalating into major setbacks and ultimately reduce the likelihood of premature admission into residential care.
Importantly, it also gives older people and their families more time to make informed decisions about the type of support that best suits their needs, rather than having those decisions made during a crisis.
Four early indicators
In many cases, early indicators of functional decline don’t emerge during regular check‑ups. Instead, they become apparent through everyday interactions with someone they know. Because pharmacists interact with older people on a regular basis, they’re uniquely positioned to detect subtle behavioural or physical changes that may signal an emerging need for supportive care.
Four early indicators include medication mismanagement, changes in physical function, social and emotional indicators, and carer stress.
Medication mismanagement
Medication mismanagement is often one of the clearest warning signs — and one that pharmacists will be quick to notice. Perhaps a person who previously managed their medications confidently begins asking repeated questions about timing and dosages, appears confused about medication changes, or struggles to explain their current schedule.
Other signs might include missed script collections, delayed repeats, inconsistent adherence, or increasing reliance on family members to manage medications.
Social and emotional indicators
Addressing social isolation in ageing populations is increasingly recognised as a key driver for improving health outcomes. It’s not uncommon for older people to have limited contact with family, friends, or community networks, making the pharmacy one of the few places they socialise on a regular basis.
Signs of loneliness, withdrawal, anxiety, or declining self‑care can suggest broader wellbeing challenges and might indicate an opportunity to connect someone with social, community or mental health support.
Referring to broader care coordination when you observe these signs can greatly improve health outcomes.
Changes in physical function
Changes in physical function can also provide important clues. An older person who appears less steady on their feet, takes longer to move around the pharmacy, or begins using mobility aids might be experiencing declining strength, balance, or confidence.
These changes can increase the risk of falls and may indicate that someone could benefit from additional support at home.
Carer stress
Carer stress is another important sign that indicates a strain on a person’s care support system. Carers who appear overwhelmed, exhausted, stressed, or uncertain about how to manage their loved ones’ needs may themselves require support and guidance, in order to better care for those around them.
While no single sign necessarily indicates a serious issue, observing patterns of change over time can provide valuable opportunities for early conversations and referrals.
Did you know?
Care Connect is an Australian-based not-for-profit in-home care provider. It has provided more than 85,000 people with the independent and personalised care they need to stay living at home.
Navigating the system
Understanding the aged care system can be overwhelming. Assessments, funding pathways, support programs, service providers, and eligibility requirements can feel complex and difficult to navigate, especially during periods of stress or declining health.
Often the problem is simply that people don’t know where to start — this is where pharmacists can provide significant value.
While the expectation isn’t for pharmacists to be experts on the aged care system, having a basic understanding of the support pathways available and being able to direct people towards appropriate services can make a meaningful difference.
Even pointing someone towards the right website, phone number or local service can help reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and encourage them to take that important first step.
One of the most important messages a pharmacist can convey is that people shouldn’t wait until a crisis occurs before they seek assistance.
If someone is beginning to experience challenges with daily living, mobility, medication management, household tasks, or social connection, it may be time to explore aged care support.
Encourage the older person and their family to reach out to My Aged Care via https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/
This is the official Australian Government starting point for funding and services. Through this process, eligible individuals can be assessed and connected with supports which match their needs.
Pharmacists should also consider maintaining their own directory of local services and referral contacts, including community care providers, allied health professionals, carer support organisations, dementia support services, and local community groups.
As healthcare becomes increasingly integrated, strong referral relationships between pharmacists, general practitioners, aged care providers, and community organisations will work to significantly improve outcomes for people in Australia, and their families.
These collaborative relationships also help ensure that people don’t fall through the gaps between different parts of the health and aged care system.
A trusted role
The role of pharmacists has expanded considerably in recent years, reflecting their growing contribution to preventative healthcare and community wellbeing.
For older people in Australia, pharmacists are much more than just medication experts — they’re trusted advisors, familiar faces, and accessible healthcare professionals who play a crucial role supporting people throughout their ageing journey.
By recognising the signs indicating an older person may need additional support, by encouraging proactive conversations, and by helping people connect with appropriate services, pharmacists can contribute significantly to healthier ageing and greater independence
