How It Works: A Guide for Families

Where are you right now?

Choose the situation that sounds most like yours, and we will point you to the right starting step.

1. 1
   You notice the signs

   Most families call us after noticing one of these:

   • Missed doses, or pills found on the floor or in pockets.
   • Confusion about which pill to take and when.
   • A cupboard full of bottles from different doctors.
   • A recent hospital visit caused by medication problems.
   • You live far away and cannot check in every day.

   Any one of these is reason enough to call. You do not need a doctor's note to start the conversation.

2. 2
   You call us, or send the form Same day

   Call (604) 770-2030 or use the referral form. Tell us about your mom or dad in plain words. We will ask a few simple questions: what medications they take (roughly), who their doctor is, and what worries you most.

   With your parent's consent, we can look up their complete medication history on PharmaNet, the BC system that records every prescription. You do not need to gather the bottles.

3. 3
   The pharmacist meets your parent Within 1 business day of referral

   Our pharmacist sits down with your parent (and you, if you can join) at the pharmacy or by phone. We go through every medication, check for problems like drug interactions or duplicates, confirm PharmaCare and insurance coverage, and get signed consent.

   Together we decide what level of support fits: packaging and delivery only, or nurse visits too. Nothing starts without your family's agreement.

4. 4
   We prepare the medications

   The pharmacy takes over from here:

   • We transfer prescriptions from the old pharmacy. You do nothing.
   • Pills are sealed into small pouches labelled with your parent's name, the date, and the time of day, using our PacMed automated packaging system, which is used to improve accuracy and reduce medication errors.
   • A second staff member checks every package against the medication record before it is sealed.
   • Refrigerated or special medications go into weekly blister packs instead.
   • Vitamins and other non-prescription items can be included.
5. 5
   Delivery begins Twice daily routes, 7 days a week

   Packages are delivered to your parent's door anywhere in North Vancouver or West Vancouver, from Deep Cove to Horseshoe Bay. Anything we receive today can be delivered the next day, and deliveries run on weekends too.

6. 6
   A nurse visits, if needed Up to twice a day

   If your parent needs more than delivery, our nurse comes to their home, up to twice a day, and can:

   • Hand them their medications and watch that doses are taken.
   • Give insulin and other injections, apply patches, help with eye drops and inhalers.
   • Check blood pressure and blood sugar when indicated.

   Every visit is written into a visit log. If something seems off, the nurse tells the pharmacist the same day.

7. 7
   You stay in the loop Ongoing

   This is the part families value most:

   • Refills happen automatically; nobody has to remember to call.
   • When the doctor changes a medication, the packaging is updated within 24 hours.
   • The doctor and case manager receive medication records regularly.
   • With your parent's consent, we keep you informed too, so a missed dose never becomes a secret.

   There is no charge for the packaging service or for a once daily home visit. For patients who need a home visit twice a day, a small daily charge applies. Your parent pays for medications the same way as before, through PharmaCare and any private insurance.