One of the key questions families often have is whether home carers can administer medication. The answer depends on various factors, including the type of medication, the level of care needed and local regulations.

This page provides detailed information about our medication administration services, the qualifications of our carers, and how we ensure the highest standards of care. By choosing Cherished Home Care, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved one’s medication needs are in professional and capable hands.

Can home carers give medications?

In short, the answer is yes, but there are considerations to be aware of. As per the Medicine Act 1968, home carers can administer medications provided they have been prescribed by an appropriate healthcare professional and are documented in a person’s care plan.

For many home carers, giving out medications is an integral part of the care provision they provide. Administering medications can cover everything from giving gentle reminders to a client to take their prescribed medications at the correct time, helping them handle medicine containers, giving them their medications and assisting with inhaled medicine or applying creams.

Although home carers can provide medication support, there are certain limitations to this, such as administering some controlled drugs or injections that can only be administered by a registered nurse. In addition, there are strict guidelines and procedures which home carers must adhere to when administering medications, as the client’s safety is always the priority.

Levels of medication administration support

While home carers can help with medication administration, the extent of their involvement depends on an individual’s needs. This can include:

1. Prompting medication – This is the right level of support for individuals who are still able to self-administer their medications but may forget to take them and miss vital doses if not prompted by the home carer.
2. Administration of medication – This involves the home carer taking a more active role in administering medications, whether giving medications to be taken orally or applying creams.
3. Specialised administration – involves more advanced procedures often required by people receiving complex care. These can include managing medicines through feeding tubes or administering some injections. Some of these procedures may require specific training, and some may only be carried out by a registered nurse, for example, if controlled drugs need to be administered.

Assessing medication administration needs

Responsibility for administering a person’s medication should only be taken on where there is a clear need. That’s why it’s so important an assessment takes place before home carers start supporting clients to take their medications. This should form part of a person’s care plan when home care is first instigated and at any future reviews.

When a person requires support with their medications, the following details must be recorded in a person’s care plan:

• Their needs and preferences
• Their expectations for confidentiality and advance care planning
• How you will seek consent
• Details of who to contact about medications
• The support required for each medication
• How medication support will be given
• Who provides medicine support, especially when more than one care provider is involved
• When the medicine support will be reviewed
• Where medications will be kept – if safety is an issue, a locked cupboard may be the best solution

What are the guidelines for home carers administering medications?

As outlined, home carers should only provide support with medications where there is a need, and it is documented in a care plan. The prescriber’s directions should be clearly, specifically and unambiguously detailed in the care plan to ensure everyone understands what medicines are needed, at what dose and when.

In addition, any home carers providing medication administration support must be fully trained and undergo competency assessments, including being observed to ensure that they are confident administering medications.

At Cherished Home Care, all our home carers undergo comprehensive induction training before they start providing home care, regardless of their previous experience, to ensure they have the skills, techniques and knowledge to support clients to the highest standards.

In addition, we have the expertise, knowledge and experience of ‘Outstanding’ care provider, The Good Care Group, who work closely with our team to provide high-quality care, support and carer training.

What record keeping is required for medication administration?

Proper medication documentation is essential to keep people receiving care safe and ensure the continuity of care when different carers may be visiting a person in their home.

Home carers must record every time they administer medication, including the date, time, medication name, dosage, and any observations or side effects. This documentation is essential for monitoring the client’s medication usage, identifying and reporting any issues or side effects, and ensuring safe and effective medicine management.

How can Cherished Home Care support medication administration?

Cherished Home Care is committed to providing high-quality home care that enables people to continue living in the homes they cherish. That’s why we offer a range of different care options, from hourly care visits to live-in home care, respite care and even complex care.

No matter what type of home care you or your loved one decide is right for you, our home carers can provide comprehensive medication administration support that meets your needs. Whether this is hourly care visits multiple times per day to check in and remind you or your loved one to take their medications, or 24/7 live-in support with home carers on hand to actively administer medications as prescribed.

Find a home carer local to you

If you are looking for a home carer who is local to you or your loved one, get in touch with Cherished Home Care. We offer local, bespoke care in your home and are committed to enabling you or your loved one to live on your terms at home.

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