Medication management can be an important part of a home care plan. Advanced support can be particularly important if a person has a complex medication routine, if they have mobility issues, or if they struggle to understand and follow medication guidance.
In this post we’ll take a closer look at the importance of medication management in home care.
What is Medication Management?
Medication management, also known as medication support, means helping people with care needs to manage their medicines.
This might involve:
- Keeping track of a person’s medication schedule
- Reminding them to take their medicine when necessary
- Helping them to remove medicines from packaging
- Administering some, or all, of the medicine
- Keeping a record of the medication schedule, also known as a (E)-MAR (Electronic Medication Administration Record)
As part of medication management, it is important to remember that everyone who receives care has capacity to make their own decisions, and they must consent before any medication is administered. The aim is to support the person with their medication needs while supporting their independence as much as possible.
The Importance of Medication Management in Home Care
Serious issues can arise if a person with a health condition does not follow their medication schedule set out by their professional. If they miss a dose, it could:
- Negatively impact their condition
- Interfere with their treatment plan
- Cause them unnecessary pain or distress
Medication management also ensures the correct dosage is taken in order to avoid overdosing. Taking more medicine than is necessary can lead to serious illness, or even death.
When is Medication Management Needed?
If a person struggles to remember when to take their medicine, or if they have trouble keeping track of what they have taken and when, their home care plan can include medication management support. The carer can also offer support if the person has mobility issues that might make it difficult for them to open the packaging, or administer the medicine.
Assessing Someone’s Medicine Support Needs
Before someone receives home care, they will receive a care assessment, along with a personalised care plan.
This care plan should outline whether or not the person needs support with their medication, along with the specific help they require. The care plan will acknowledge the person’s needs and preferences, and it should specify how the carer will seek consent should they need to support the person with administering the medicine.
Maintaining Independence and Dignity During Medication Management
The NHS acknowledges that the majority of service users should take responsibility for administering their own medication. Some people will need more support than others. But in most cases, every effort must be taken to preserve the individual’s independence, and to allow them to administer their own medicine.
How Carers Can Help Support Someone to Stay in Control of Their Medication
To that end, carers can implement measures to help the people they support stay in control of their medication schedule:
- Provide a tablet organiser. Placing tablets in clearly labelled compartments could help the person keep track of what tablets they need to take, and when
- Place reminders around the house, which might prompt the person to take their medication when necessary. This could be something as simple as a note by the front door, reading “have you taken your medication today?”
- Providing digital devices that automatically notify the individual whenever it is time to take their medication
- Maintaining a medication diary, which will help the individual, along with their family, and the care services, keep track of the medication schedule
How To Arrange Medicine Support
If you need a bit of help in the home, or you know someone who does, then there is plenty of support available.
A good first step is to contact your local council. They can then arrange for a care needs assessment, which will also determine whether any medicine support is needed.
You could also check if the NHS offers home help services for people in your area. Finally, certain local charities may offer grants, discounts, or other support.
Specialist Home Help for Elderly People in Surrey
If you live in Surrey or by its borders, you can get bespoke support in the home with the Crossroads Direct service.
Crossroads Care Surrey’s experienced carers provide personalised support to meet your unique needs. They can assist elderly people with a number of daily tasks depending on your exact requirements, which can include medication management services.
Learn more about Crossroads Direct home help services. For more information, call 01372 677 831.
