Why I/DD Providers Need a Trusted LTC Pharmacy Partner

The population of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) is not only growing — it’s aging. Advances in healthcare have extended life expectancy, and with that comes increased complexity in managing medications, chronic conditions, and quality of life. For I/DD providers, partnering with a long-term care (LTC) pharmacy is no longer optional — it’s a vital step toward safer care, improved outcomes, and regulatory confidence.

The Aging I/DD Population and Rising Complexity

Historically, adults with I/DD had a shorter life expectancy than the general population, but this gap is closing. According to a study in the Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, adults with I/DD are now living into their 60s and beyond, resulting in higher prevalence of age-related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dementia.

With aging comes polypharmacy, defined as the use of five or more medications — a growing concern in I/DD populations. A study published in the Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities found that up to 21% of adults with I/DD were prescribed multiple medications simultaneously, increasing the risk of drug-drug interactions, adverse effects, and hospitalizations.

The Role of a Long-Term Care Pharmacy

A dedicated LTC pharmacy brings infrastructure and clinical oversight to manage these complexities efficiently. For I/DD homes, this translates to:

• Cycle fill coordination: Medications are synchronized into 28- or 30-day cycles, minimizing missed doses and improving inventory control.

• Specialized packaging: Unit-dose and color-coded blister packs make administration safer and easier for both staff and self-administering residents.

• Regimen reviews: Pharmacists provide monthly medication regimen reviews (MRRs) to catch duplications, drug interactions, and inappropriate therapies.

• Pharmacist collaboration: Recommendations can be made to prescribers regarding therapy adjustments or deprescribing unnecessary medications.

This level of clinical support is particularly crucial when serving individuals who may be nonverbal, have cognitive challenges, or rely on staff for full medication administration.

Medication Safety and Accuracy

In correctional and long-term care settings, research shows that 12% of patients are exposed to potentially harmful drug interactions, with up to 4% experiencing combinations likely to lead to serious adverse events, according to a study published in BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making.

For I/DD providers, those risks are compounded by the presence of behavioral health diagnoses, seizure disorders, or communication limitations. An LTC pharmacy partner reduces this risk through:

• Barcode scanning and verification

• Medication reconciliation with each fill cycle

• MAR-compatible logs and delivery documentation

• Controlled substance tracking and disposal

These systems not only reduce med errors — they reduce stress and liability for staff.

Promoting Independence and Wellness

Supporting independence is a core value in I/DD services. When medications are packaged clearly and delivered on a reliable schedule, individuals who are capable of self-administering can do so safely. Pharmacist-led training also helps direct support staff reinforce healthy habits, routines, and communication around medication.

Cycle fills also limit daily disruptions and allow staff to focus more time on care rather than med tracking or calling in last-minute refills. That leads to improved adherence, fewer med errors, and better continuity of care — key pillars in promoting overall wellness.

Collaboration Is Key

The most successful I/DD homes aren’t just managing meds — they’re partnering. A good LTC pharmacy offers:

• Medication regimen reviews

• In-service staff training

• Ongoing compliance support for state licensing and Medicaid waiver audits

• Easy communication with prescribers, nurses, and DSPs

This collaboration creates a safety net that supports both resident health and organizational performance.

Why It Matters

1. Reduced medication risk through pharmacist-led oversight

2. Improved accuracy and efficiency with cycle fills and customized packaging

3. Enhanced resident wellness and independence

4. Stronger compliance with I/DD Waiver requirements and audit readiness

5. Lower staff burden and higher confidence in medication systems
   

Final Thoughts

The aging and medically complex I/DD population requires more than retail pharmacy access — it requires a clinical partner. A long-term care pharmacy like AssuredCare delivers the medication safety, packaging, education, and collaboration needed to meet this challenge head-on.

If you’re an I/DD provider in West Virginia, Ohio, or Kentucky, and you want a pharmacy that works like a true extension of your care team — we’re here to help.