Supporting people with medication is a common and safety-critical part of many care roles. You must understand safe practice, accurate records, and — crucially — the limits of your role. This is awareness for care workers, not clinical training.
Levels of medication support
Support ranges from:
- Prompting/reminding the person to take their own medication.
- Assisting (e.g. opening a bottle) while the person self-administers.
- Administering medication to the person — only if trained, competent and it's part of your role. People who have capacity have the right to make their own decisions about medication.
The 'rights' of medication
A widely used safety check before medication is given — the rights:
- Right person, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, and right to refuse — plus right records afterwards. Checking these prevents most medication errors.
MAR charts and record-keeping
Medication is recorded on a MAR (Medication Administration Record) chart:
- Record accurately at the time, sign for what's given.
- Use the correct codes for refusals, omissions or "as required" (PRN) medicines.
- Never sign for medication you didn't see taken; never falsify records.
Common errors to avoid
Wrong person, wrong time, missed doses, giving without checking, poor records, and not reporting a refusal or a mistake. If an error happens, follow duty of candour — report it immediately, ensure the person is safe, and record it honestly.
Know the limits of your role
- Only do what you're trained and authorised to do.
- Don't give advice on medication or change doses — that's for pharmacists, GPs and nurses.
- Report changes (side effects, refusals, someone unwell) to the right person.
Put it to work
List the 'rights' you'd check before supporting someone with their medication, and one situation you'd report. Then read professional practice.