Medication is defined as anything that is taken into the body other than food and water. That includes, prescription medications, over‑the‑counter medications, herbs and vitamins.

When possible involve the care receiver in the responsibility of taking their medication as much as possible.

If the person you care for wants to take their medication independently talk with them about their medications. Evaluate their understanding of the medication, why they are taking it, side effects, etc. If they are unclear about these things you must teach them or ask to be given the responsibility of administering the medication.

When you assume responsibility as a caregiver you will most likely be giving medication to your care receiver, Always put first things first! Do a medicine chest review. Check expiration dates. Rule of thumb: Anything one year old or older needs to be discarded! Remembering the definition of medications, make a list of all medications the care receiver is taking. Take the list to the doctor and ask, "Why is my care receiver taking each medication and what are the side effects of each medication?"

To avoid medication errors it is important that you know:

•      Why the person is tak­

        ing the medication

•       The correct dosage

•      The correct amount

•      The correct way (with
        or without food)

•      The correct route ( by

        mouth or suppository)

•       The correct time:

HS‑hour of sleep

BID‑ give the medicine 2

      times a day 12 hours
      apart

TID‑give the medicine 3

      times a day during
      waking hours

QlD‑ give the medicine 4

      times a day during
      waking hours

•       Side affects of the

        medication

•      Always keep medica­

       tions in the original
       container

•      Never crush a medi-
        cation  without con-
        sulting the  pharm-
        acist

•      Store most medicines
        in a cool, dry place -
        not the bathroom

•      Remove cotton from
        medication bottles
        because it will draw
        moisture once the
        seal is broken

•      Ask for non‑child
        proof containers if the
        child proof ones are
        too hard ‑‑to open

Remember you pharmacist and your parish nurse are also available to help you and are excellent resources for learning about your medications

Take a list of all medictions to every Dr. appointment

O God, give us

 sensitivity in working

with people who have

a variety of health

Problems, perception in

assisting them to sort

out major and minor

concerns, and wisdom.

to distinguish the one

from the other.

Chorus

Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so.

Though my steps are oh so
     slow,

 With my hand in His I'll go

On through life, let come what
      may

He will lead me all the way

Repeat Chorus

I am happy growing old,
Safe inside His precious fold

Christ will love me with a
     Smile

As I go the extra mile.

Repeat Chorus