As a carer, you may be asked to administer medication to the person you are caring for. It is important to know how to do this correctly, as well as how to manage any side effects that the medication may cause.
Medication can be given in a variety of ways, depending on the type of medication and the preference of the person taking it. The most common methods are tablets, capsules, creams, ointments, injections, and liquids.
Tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. If the person you are caring for is struggling to swallow a tablet or capsule, you can crushed it and mix it with a small amount of food or liquid. However, you should always check with a healthcare professional before doing this, as some medication should not be crushed.
Creams and ointments can be applied directly to the skin. Injections are usually given by a healthcare professional, but you may be asked to give an injection at home. If this is the case, you will be given clear instructions on how to do this.
Liquids can be taken either by mouth or by feeding tube. If the person you are caring for is unable to take the medication by mouth, you will need to ensure that the feeding tube is correctly inserted and that the medication is given at the correct rate.
It is important to follow the instructions given by the healthcare professional when administering medication. If you are unsure about anything, do not hesitate to ask for clarification.