To make up for many of these vitamin deficiencies people often take dietary supplements. A large majority of dietary supplements are taken by the elderly. As a home care worker it is wise to understand when, and if dietary supplements are the right choice for clients.

As a caregiver, one of the biggest responsibilities a person will face is making sure that their clients eat right. If a senior is under the observation of a home care professional, who helps them set out their meal plans, it is unlikely that they will need any dietary supplementation. If certain vitamins are missing from the diet, then supplements may be used to help balance out the body’s needs. Speaking with the clients doctor can help a caregiver better understand what their clients needs are.

People who take regular medications, even those sold over the counter, should always seek a doctors advice before turning to dietary supplements. Some supplements may cause adverse reactions when combined with medication. Seeking the advice of a doctor or pharmacist is always recommended when dietary supplements may affect new medication.

It is also wise to discontinue the use of dietary supplements both before, and after surgery, unless instructed otherwise by a medical professional. Dietary supplements can cause spikes in blood pressure, and other changes in the body, which may cause complications before, during, and after surgery. Speaking to the clients doctor can help rule out any possible dangers associated with taking dietary supplements, when major medical procedures loom on the horizon.

Unless otherwise notified by a doctor it is recommended that dietary supplementation be stopped three to six weeks before a major medical procedure. As a caregiver, or other person working in the home care industry, it is always important to know what your client is taking, and how it may affect them.

Why Should Caregivers Avoid Giving Medication to Clients?

Caregivers should avoid giving clients medication, as it not within the boundaries of the care that is provided by the traditional caregiver services. Although the caregiver may be aware of the medications that the client is taking, the caregiver may be unable to determine if there will be an interaction between the medications which are being administered and the medications which are taken on a daily basis.

Aside from any obvious legal ramifications of a caregiver in an elderly care situation administering drugs there will always be the chance that there could be a fatal errors made due to lack of professional training.

What Should a Caregiver do if the Senior Requests Medication?

In the case that the client requests medication from the caregiver, it can take a simple phone call to the doctor’s office, or nurses that are offering home care. The nurse can then give advice that can be dispensed to family members that can administer the medication to the client.

As an alternative, the caregiver may contact the family members or support system directly and allow the family members or friends to consent to the request, contact the physician or nurse that is responsible for the medication.

In the case that the client has taken it upon themselves to take medication that has not been prescribed, the caregiver can note this on the chart of the client which is prepared for the home care company. This information can be relayed to friends and family members and if this medication is seen as dangerous, it can be removed from the environment of the client to prevent further unauthorized usage. 

How Can Caregivers Assist with Medication?

When dealing with the elderly, care must be taken regarding the reminding for medication to be taken. The use of medication holders which can determine which and how many pills should be taken each day can be used, as well as charts and reminder notes or alarms which are set to coincide with the schedule that the medication will be taken. Using these tips, the caregiver can take an active role in the care of the client, including the health without putting the caregiver, or the company that the caregiver works for in direct danger of acting unlawfully.

Still Unsure?

If you have any thoughts or questions after reading this please don’t hesitate to call our office to clear up any doubts you may have.

The Use of Medication Alarms
Medication alarms can be purchased from the local pharmacy and act in a manner that is similar to an alarm clock. The alarm will sound one-time or multiple times per day to indicate that the senior should take the medication at this time. This can be an effective way for the caregiver to maintain the independence of the senior when it comes to take the medication.

Alarms are an effective way to manage the medication of the client, as long the client is aware of the medications which are to be taken at each time and the issue lies within remembering to take the medication on a daily basis. If the client doesn’t have an alarm and would like one this could be done on an outing or shopping trip.

Use Daily Medication Organizers
Daily medication organizers are an effective way to schedule multiple doses of medication per day. These organizers are available at pharmacies, health care solution stores, as well as supermarkets and are available for daily dosages, as well as entire weeks.

Remember, these types of organizers require organization and loading of the medications which are being taken by the patient. The caregiver can assist in the dividing of the medication with the client, or nurses and clients can help to establish the routine and schedule for the dosages available.

Have the Medication Bubble Packed
Pharmacies and health care professionals can make the decision to have the medication pre-packaged in dosages called “bubble packs”. These packages contain enough medication for a week and include dosages for single, even multiple medications per day. Patients that have multiple medications as well as problems remembering to take certain medications, or, have taken incorrect dosages of medications in the past which have been dangerous are often prescribed this technique to ensure that the medication remains stable.

Associate the Dosage with Daily Activities
There are many aspects of the daily routine that can be associated with taking medication. The caregiver can help to attribute these activities with certain times of day when the medication is to be taken. Some medications require that the client eat before, or with the medications, other medications should not be taken within hours of each other. For this reason, associating certain types of medications with certain activities that are completed through the day can be an effective way to avoid forgotten and missed dosages of crucial medication.

Although it can be difficult to remember to take medications on a daily basis when there are multiple doses involved, the caregiver can enable these techniques and ensure that all measures possible are taken to manage correct doses of medication.

So, with the help of our caregivers, our clients and the families of the elderly citizens we look after, be they in their own homes or assisted living facilities, can relax because we are there to help.