If you are caring for an elderly parent, you understand the pressure of being responsible for their medication. We spoke to Karen Togher, Staff Trainer at the Bright Care Training Academy and asked her advice on good medication management. This guide is designed to give you the confidence to protect your loved one’s health, prevent common mistakes, and keep them safe at home.
Karen says:
“Medication management requires meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of protocols. It is a fundamental component of providing safe, person-centred care, which is why our training equips carers with all the information they need to ensure our clients’ well-being and safety.”
Karen shared her tips on how to ensure medication management is safe and effective:
1 – Follow the Six Rights checklist
At the Bright Care Training Academy, all staff are told that before giving any medicine, they should always confirm the Six Rights of Administration:
- Right person: Is this for the right person?
- Right medicine: Does the label match the prescription?
- Right dose: Are you giving the exact amount prescribed?
- Right route: Is it taken correctly (e.g., swallowed, topical)?
- Right time: Is it being given at the correct time?
- Right to refuse: Your loved one has the right to refuse any medication.
Important safety rules:
- Only use original packaging or blister packs that are prescribed.
- Never rush or get distracted when handling medicines.
- Do not crush tablets or open capsules unless a doctor has specifically given permission and recorded it.
- Do not use a dosette box (a weekly pill box), as the contents cannot be verified.
2. Avoid medical interactions
Many common things can interfere with medication and cause serious problems. Always speak to your pharmacist or GP about all the medicines and supplements your loved one takes.
Watch out for these common triggers:
- Herbal supplements: Some, like St. John’s Wort, can decrease the effectiveness of prescription drugs.
- Grapefruit: Can increase the absorption of certain drugs (e.g., for blood pressure or cholesterol), leading to a higher risk of side effects like liver damage.
- Dairy products: Calcium can block the absorption of some antibiotics and iron supplements.
- Green, leafy vegetables: If your loved one is on blood thinners, Vitamin K in these vegetables can decrease the medicine’s ability to prevent clots.
- Alcohol: Can escalate the drug’s effects, potentially causing internal bleeding or heart problems, even if consumed hours apart.
3 – Medication storage and what to do in emergencies
- Check storage rules: Always check the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). Keep medication safe from children, pets, moisture, and extreme heat. Fridge items must be kept in a box, away from food (typically 2°C to 8°C).
- Safe disposal: Never throw away expired or unused medication in the regular bin or down the toilet. Return it to your local dispensing pharmacy for safe disposal.
- Know the signs: Side effects are usually mild (like nausea or drowsiness). An adverse reaction is a serious medical occurrence that needs immediate action, call a GP or 999 if you see unusual or severe changes after they take a new drug.
What to do when a loved one needs more support
Caring for an older loved one is rewarding, but managing complex needs like medication management can be hard, particularly when juggling other work and family commitments. If you are struggling or worried about their safety, remember you don’t have to do it alone. You could consider employing a professional Carer to give you peace of mind.
Bright Care provides award-winning, tailored in-home care and companionship. Our highly trained Care Assistants can expertly handle complex medication schedules, ensuring your loved one is safe and well looked after.
Why choose Bright Care
Bright Care provides award winning, in-home care and companionship for people in later life. We focus on building meaningful relationships with our clients and are there to offer practical home help services and emotional support. They can help with grocery shopping, food preparation and cooking delicious, healthy meals. Our tailored in-home care services provide peace of mind for families who cannot always be there to care for their loved ones.
We are recruiting exceptional Care Assistants in the South East of England and Scotland. You can find more information about the Care Assistant job description and the Care Assistant role and responsibilities on our website.
