Transcript Medication2 - Alzheimer Scotland

Alzheimer Scotland
Medication
Medication
Our 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
Medication

Support Workers can help service
users in the following categories: Level A
Level B
Level 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
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!

Most common types of
medication
Tablets
Capsules
Liquid/Suspension
(bottles or
pre-measured doses)
Dispersible
Creams/ointments
Ear/eyedrops
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
 Right
 Right
 Right
 Right

PERSON
MEDICINE
TIME
DOSE
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
•
•
•
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Your line manager in the first
instance!
Pharmacist
District Nurse/Specialist Nurse
GP/Out of Hours Services/NHS 24