Daily living and health
Medication administration
Medication administration means giving a person their medicine, such as handing over the dose, measuring liquids, or giving an injection. Who may do it depends on state law and training. Non-medical home caregivers usually do not give medicine. They may remind a person to take it.
Why it matters for your family
Giving medicine carries real risk of errors. Wrong doses, missed doses, and interactions can hurt. Rules about who may give medicine differ by state and setting, so ask a doctor, nurse, or the state health department. A family member may give medicine to a loved one. A hired non-medical caregiver generally should not. If a person cannot manage medicine alone, ask a nurse about options. A common mistake is asking a companion caregiver to give pills as a favor. HomeCare.com does not offer medication administration. Caregivers give medication reminders only.
Source: nia.nih.gov
Related terms
- Medication reminderA medication reminder is a prompt that tells a person it is time to take a medicine they already have.
- Medication managementMedication management is the full set of steps for using medicines safely.
- Skilled nursing careSkilled nursing care is nursing and therapy that only licensed professionals, or staff supervised by them, can safely provide.
- Registered nurse (RN)A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed nurse who assesses patients, gives medicines and treatments, helps make care plans, and teaches patients and families how to manage illness at home.
- Licensed practical nurse (LPN)A licensed practical nurse (LPN), called a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in some states, gives basic medical care, such as monitoring vital signs, changing bandages, and helping with bathing and dressing.
- Home health careHome health care is medical care given at home for an illness or injury, such as skilled nursing and therapy.
