Helping a person to take medication

Making the right checks

If you need to help the person you are caring for take their medication, please remember to:

• Wash your hands prior to handling medication and check whether it is to be taken with or without food. Make sure there is a drink available for them.
• Ensure they are sitting up (if they can’t sit up, you should discuss this with the doctor).

Follow the Four Rights

1. Is this the right medicine?
Check the label carefully ensuring that the medicine is prescribed for the person you are caring for and is in date. If you are still unsure, you can look at the care plan which should be in the home.

2. Is this the right dose?
What does it say on the label or in the care plan?

3. Is this the right time?
Read the label and check when the person you are caring for last had the medicine.

4. Is it the right route?
Do they need to take the medicine by mouth and swallow it whole or dissolve in water?

If you are in any doubt about helping the person you are caring for with their medication, speak with their District Nurse, GP or Marie Curie Nurse.

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Helping a person to take medication
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