Select Jewel-Osco pharmacies to offer special services to support hospice care

FRANKLIN PARK, Ill. Jewel-Osco Pharmacy has formed a partnership with Elgin-based Passages Hospice Care that will empower hospice caregivers to focus more on the special needs of their patients' care.

Under a new model of care, Passages caregivers will work closely with Jewel-Osco pharmacists — located in 15 stores throughout Northern and Central Illinois — who will provide special prescription and consultative services. As a result, hospice caregivers will have quick and convenient access to the products and professional expertise available at a typical hospital pharmacy.

"We are very excited about the potential benefits this new partnership will extend to our patients as well as their caregivers and family members. When a patient first enters hospice care, one of the challenges for caregivers and family members is accessing the special medications needed by their patient or loved one. We're taking the guesswork out of this process," said Matt Cross, regional manager of Managed Care, Jewel-Osco Pharmacy.

Hospice care is often reserved for critically and terminally-ill patients.

Jewel-Osco, a Supervalu company, operates more than 170 in-store pharmacies in Illinois, Iowa and Indiana. In addition to full-service prescription services, Jewel-Osco Pharmacy provides immunizations, diabetes care services and medication therapy management services, which are performed by specially trained Jewel-Osco pharmacists.