Medicines can legally be given by anyone, as long as they have been prescribed for that person by a doctor (or an authorised nurse). They must be administered according to the instructions (usually printed on the box or given by the healthcare professional).
Never give medication to someone without their consent or force them to take it.
Certain types of medication, including most injections, are administered by healthcare professionals. Instructions for when and how to give medication should be clear. If you are not sure, ask your GP or nurse to explain.
Types of medication
Medication comes in a variety of forms, including pills, liquids, injections, inhalers and ointments.
Pills are usually the most common form of medicine. If the person you care for has a complicated medication regime (more than one medicine to be taken at different intervals), you can use a dosette box. This allows you to organise pills by day and type. It's important to check that you're giving the correct medicines at the correct dose. Always read the label before giving medicines to anyone and give the medicines at the same time each day. If you're giving multiple medicines, make a checklist or table that you can tick off every time medicine is given.
Some people may need help to swallow pills. If you're worried they could choke, ask your GP or pharmacist if the medicine can be supplied in a soluble or liquid form. They may also be able to advise you on how to help the person you care for to take their medicine.
Available training
Some pharmacists train carers on how to give medicine safely. Your local authority or NHS primary care trust (PCT) may run training programmes for carers to administer medicines safely and correctly. Find your local PCT or search for your local authority on our directory of local carers’ services.
Printed training materials are available to pharmacists and include sections relevant to carers. Ask your pharmacist for a copy.
