Making Medication Instructions Accessible: Communication Tips for Pharmacists Serving Patients with Hearing and Vision Loss

/ Adaptability for Life LLC /

As pharmacists, we know that ensuring patients understand how to take their medication is just as important as dispensing it. But when patients live with hearing and/or vision loss, communication becomes more complex. Labels may be unreadable. Verbal counseling may be missed. And the risks—from non-adherence to adverse events—rise significantly.

Why Accessibility Matters in Pharmacy

Hearing and vision loss increase with age and socioeconomic factors. Many older adults live with dual sensory loss (DSL), where both hearing and sight are diminished. Studies show that patients with DSL often experience higher levels of frustration, fear, and anger when communication breaks down—making it harder for them to follow their care plan and trust their providers.

For pharmacists, this means that cultural competence and accessibility aren’t “extras”—they are critical components of safe, ethical, and compassionate care.

Practical Tips You Can Use in the Pharmacy

Here are strategies that can help bridge the gap:

Labeling Medications Safely

  • Tactile cues: One rubber band, bump dot, or sticker can signal once-daily dosing; two can indicate twice daily. This also helps patients track which bottles are “active.”

  • Large print and color coding: Increase readability with high-contrast, larger fonts.

  • Technology:

    • Audio & RFID tags allow patients to hear instructions.

    • Apps like Be My Eyes AI can read labels aloud, though pharmacists should caution patients that AI may make errors.

    • ScriptTalk (talking prescription labels) is now available in many states and helps ensure accurate, independent medication use.

👉 For more details, see the American Foundation for the Blind’s Guidelines for Prescription Labeling.

Communication Best Practices

  • Lower your pitch instead of raising your voice. Yelling actually distorts soft consonants like p, s, t, th, making speech less clear.

  • Check for understanding. Don’t just ask “Do you understand?”—invite patients to repeat back instructions in their own words.

  • Orient and guide. If patients are unfamiliar with your pharmacy layout, provide verbal cues to help them navigate safely.

  • Involve caregivers when appropriate. Reinforce instructions with family members or aides, especially if multiple medications are involved.

Legal & Regulatory Context

Most states—including Oregon—require pharmacies to provide accessible prescriptions upon request. Staying compliant not only avoids legal risk but strengthens patient trust and ensures equity in care delivery.

Continuing the Mission of Access and Understanding

Adaptability for Life’s cultural competence - ethics continuing education courses provide engaging and practical skills in supporting their clients with vision/hearing loss.

Approvals - Accreditations:

OHA - Oregon Health Authority - Cultural Competence CE
CEP #18180 CA Board of Registered Nursing, Continuing Education Provider
NASW-OR Nat. Assoc. of Social Workers - Oregon Cultural Competence CE
CRCC - Commission on Rehabilitation Counselors Certification - Ethics CE

Who these courses are helpful for:

Nurses, Psychologist, LCSW, LFMT, PT, OT, SLP, ND, NP, PA, MD, DDS, LPC, Chiropractor, License Professional Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, Dentist, Dental Technologist, Dietitian, Emergency Medical Service Provider, Home Care Worker, Lactation Consultant, Long Term Care Administrator, Massage Therapist, Medical Imager, Midwife, Naturopathic Doctor, Occupational Therapist, Optometrist, Pharmacist, Polysomnographic Technologist/Respiratory Therapist, Social Workers, Caregivers and Families.

  • For those seeking to enhance their skills in communicating with those who have vision or hearing loss, consider enrolling.

2-Hour Cultural Competence CE: Effective Communication with Clients Who Are Hard of Hearing
4-Hour Cultural Competence and Ethics CE: Understanding the Diversity of Legal Blindness, Impacts & Solutions
6-Hour Cultural Competence and Ethics CE: Providing Culturally Competent Healthcare for Those Aging with Dual Sensory Impairments

Each course blends over 25 years of experience in rehabilitation counseling and disability services with lived insight and real-world examples. You’ll walk away with tools that help prevent social isolation, improve connection and communication, and foster hope—even in the face of progressive sensory loss.

What You’ll Gain

  • Strategies to prevent social isolation and despair

  • Tools to support clients experiencing progressive loss

  • Skills to improve communication and connection

  • Easy, low- or no-cost accessibility techniques

  • Real-world examples you can apply immediately

About the Instructor

Deb Marinos, MS, CRC, LPC, is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Oregon Licensed Professional Counselor, and CMBM Mind-Body Skills Group Facilitator. She brings decades of teaching experience with health care professionals and other working with individuals navigating sensory loss and disability. Her courses are designed to be interactive, helpful, and will give you more comfort in your work.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to strengthen your skills, deepen your empathy, and make your practice more inclusive—join Deb and Olaf on this journey.

👉 Explore the Cultural Competence & Ethics accredited continuing education courses and sign up today at Adaptability for Life

Adaptability for Life LLC
21887 SW Sherwood Blvd. STE C
Sherwood, OR 97140
deb@adaptabilityforlife.com