12.12.1: Introduction

The assistance of self-administration of medications by Home Health Aides is not allowed in every state or country. You should be specifically trained and assigned to provide assistance with medications. Personal Care Aides are not allowed to assist with administration of medication under any circumstance.

Assisting with self-administration of medications is different than administering medications. Only licensed providers such as physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses may administer medications to patients. Home Health Aides may ASSIST patients with self-administration of medication. Personal Care Aides must never assist with medications in any way.

Assisting with medications means the HHA may remind patients about taking their medications, bring the medication to the patient, and bring other equipment needed to take the medication such as an inhaler to the patient. The HHA may bring liquid such as water to the patient so they can take their medication. Home Health Aides should assist the patient into the correct position so the patient may take their medicine. For example, for medications taken by mouth the patient should be in a fully upright position. This helps to prevent choking and allows the medication to move down the esophagus into the stomach. Medication should never be crushed unless the Care Plan specifically states. Remember to always keep medications stored in a locked area.

If the Home Health Aide notices a patient taking a medication incorrectly or if the patient has a reaction to the medication the HHA should inform the supervisor.If medications are dropped or mixed up with other medications the HHA should inform the supervisor. If the HHA becomes aware of herbs, supplements, and medications the patient is taking and which they have not told the healthcare team about they should inform their supervisor.

Home Health Aides may also show the patient the medication and read the label to the patient so that the right patient, right medication, right dose, right time, and right route may be checked. Understanding and following the 5 Rights of Medications helps to avoid medication errors. The Five Rights of Medications include: The Right Patient, The Right Medication, The Right Dose, The Right Time, and the Right Route. If Home Health Aides ever have a concern about any of these rights, they should speak to their supervisor immediately. The safety and well-being of a patient depends on their Home Health Aide.