1. Alzheimer Scotland Medication

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. Support duties ….. Disposal of single tablets/doses Never crush tablets or disguise medication Caution around leaving out medication Awareness of alcohol

7. 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!

8. Tablets Capsules Liquid/Suspension (bottles or pre-measured doses) Dispersible Creams/ointments Ear/eyedrops Most common types of medication

9. Hygiene & Storage Procedures Good handwashing before and after assisting Do not handle tablets Bottles, spoons, measuring cups must be kept clean

10. 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

11. Safe Management of Medication – The 5 Rights Right PERSON RightMEDICINE RightTIME RightDOSE RightROUTE

12. Safe Management of Medication Check Explain Wash hands Prepare Ensure comfortable position Follow the instructions Finish by recording

13. Safe Management of Medication Suitable Tasks Tasks requiring additional training Forbidden tasks

14. 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

15. Using the Medication Forms Medication Permission Form Drug Record Form Medication Disposal Form

16. Where to get advice Your line manager in the first instance! Pharmacist District Nurse/Specialist Nurse GP/Out of Hours Services/NHS 24