It is likely that the individuals you support will take medication of one description or another.
You are not allowed to remind, give, support or assist an individual with medication or administer medication unless you have learnt how to do this safely.
Some medication is given to reduce the symptoms of long term illness, for example Parkinson’s disease or diabetes. Other medication can be taken (prescribed or bought from a chemist) to support with a short term problem, for example, a chest infection or headache.
Medication is not just talking about tablets.
Medication can be liquid, capsules, drops (like eye or ear drops) suppositories, inhaled, injections, implants or patches, buccal medicines (held in the cheek) or topical medicines (creams, lotions or oitments applied directly to the skin).
Inhaler
The following additional medication learning resources are available.
These include eLearning and knowledge assessments.
You can assist and administer medication before training BUT only if each action is fully supervised by a competent person.
Your manager will need to confirm this is acceptable as different organisations may have different policies.
An individual must always give consent before you assist them with medication.
Your employer may provide information or training about the types of medication.
Your role may not involve supporting, assisting or administering medication but it will be useful for you to have an understanding about any medical conditions the individuals you support have so you can monitor any changes. It will also be useful for you to have an understanding about the most common types of medication and how they can affect the individuals you are working with. You will find more information in each individual’s care plan.
NHS
If you would like to find out more about types of medicines, you can use this link to the NHS webpage that lists different types of medicines with a bit more of a description.
Safe and appropriate handling of medicines involves:
| Ordering | The process should be quick and efficient with freedom of choice in relation to their provider of pharmaceutical care and services. |
| Receiving | A list of medication ordered should be checked against that received. |
| Storing | Medication must be stored safely. Controlled drugs (CDs) must be stored in a locked cupboard or might be kept by the individual if self-administering. |
| Administering | Staff must be competent and ensure the right person receives the right dose of the right medication at the right time, preserving dignity and privacy. |
| Usage | Medicines are used to cure or prevent disease, or to relieve symptoms. They are not used to punish or control behaviour. |
| Recording | Record medicine administration in a MAR sheet which charts the administration of drugs. Make sure the records are clear, signed and dated. This should be supported by the Care Plan, Risk Assessment and daily notes. |
| Transfer | Medication is the individual’s property and has to stay with them if they are transferred somewhere else, for example if the person needs to go into hospital. |
| Disposal | Return unwanted medication to a pharmacy. Care homes must use a licensed waste management company. |
| Reporting | If you become aware that an error has occurred, it is important that you report this urgently. You can report by contacting the person’s GP or your manager in the first instance. You may also need to call an ambulance. |
Medication Administration Records (MAR)
A MAR chart is a document that is used to record administration of medicines to an individual. It will include:
- Person’s name
- Date of birth
- Dosage
- Dates and times of medication due and taken
- Route of administration
- Any special instructions, for example allergies, time critical and possible side effects.
- GP contact details
- Signature or initials of the person who has administered the medication.
Time critical means it must be delivered at a specific time and frequency because of the nature of the person’s requirement for the medication which could be to manage pain or mobility.
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