Alzheimer Scotland

Medication

MedicationOur position: -

We aim to support service users to be as independent as possible in taking medication

Where the person requires more assistance we aim to be as supportive as possible

Support Workers can help service users in the following categories: - Level A Level BLevel C

Level D (requires ‘special tasks‘ can do only after ‘special training’)

Medication

Support Workers have the right to ask for further guidance on administering medication if they feel it is unsafe or are unsure of procedures

The service user’s Support Plan will include instruction on medication. Assistance cannot be given if it is not mentioned in the Plan

Medication

Support duties….

Ordering & collecting prescriptions Collecting medicines Reading labels/opening containers Opening containers Disposal of unwanted medicines Storing medication Dealing with medication refusal

Support duties …..

Disposal of single tablets/doses Never crush tablets or disguise

medication Caution around leaving out

medication Awareness of alcohol

Support duties….. ‘Over the counter’ remedies Admitting to/reporting errors Do not fill pill boxes Your role in relation to side effects Dispense from original containers

unless told otherwise from line manager (labels must be legible)

Report any concerns!

TabletsCapsulesLiquid/Suspension (bottles or pre-measured doses)

DispersibleCreams/ointmentsEar/eyedrops

Most common types of medication

Hygiene & Storage Procedures

Good handwashing before and after assisting

Do not handle tablets Bottles, spoons, measuring cups

must be kept clean

Hygiene & Storage Procedures

Medicines must be stored out of reach of children & pets (locked away in daycare)

Medicines must be stored according to pharmacy advice e.g. cool place

Safe Management of Medication – The 5 Rights

Right PERSON Right MEDICINE Right TIME Right DOSE Right ROUTE

Safe Management of Medication

Check Explain Wash hands Prepare Ensure comfortable position Follow the instructions Finish by recording

Safe Management of Medication

Suitable Tasks

Tasks requiring additional training

Forbidden tasks

Miscellaneous Aromatherapy – do not do this with

service users without seeking advice from your line manager first

Advice - do not give advice to service users about what they should take or buy from the pharmacist

PRN medication

Using the Medication Forms

Medication Permission Form Drug Record Form Medication Disposal Form

Where to get advice

• Your line manager in the first instance!

• Pharmacist• District Nurse/Specialist Nurse• GP/Out of Hours Services/NHS 24