STATE OF
ILLINOIS
IDoA

Module 7: Medication Awareness

Illinois Department on Aging Training Program

Learning Objectives

  • Understand caregiver role in observing medication adherence
  • Recognize side effects and when to report
  • Follow IDoA rules regarding non-administration of meds

⚠️ CRITICAL: CAREGIVERS CANNOT ADMINISTER MEDICATION

Illinois law prohibits caregivers from:

  • Giving medication to clients
  • Handling or opening medication containers
  • Pouring pills into hands
  • Applying topical medications
  • Administering eye drops or insulin

You can only OBSERVE and REMIND, never ADMINISTER.

1. Your Role: Observe & Report

What You CAN Do:

  • ✓ Remind client it's time to take medication
  • ✓ Place medication container within client's reach
  • ✓ Open child-proof caps if client requests and cannot do it themselves
  • ✓ Observe client self-administering medication
  • ✓ Document whether client took medication
  • ✓ Report missed doses to supervisor

Observation Checklist:

Document:

  • □ Time medication was due
  • □ Did client take medication? (Yes/No)
  • □ If no, reason why (refused, sleeping, nauseous, etc.)
  • □ Any side effects observed
  • □ Client's response to medication

2. Understanding Common Medications

Common Medication Classes for Older Adults:

  • Blood Pressure: May cause dizziness when standing
    • Examples: Lisinopril, Metoprolol, Amlodipine
  • Diabetes: Can cause low blood sugar
    • Examples: Metformin, Insulin, Glipizide
  • Blood Thinners: Increased bleeding risk
    • Examples: Warfarin, Aspirin, Plavix
  • Pain Relief: May cause drowsiness, constipation
    • Examples: Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Tramadol
  • Depression/Anxiety: May affect mood, energy
    • Examples: Sertraline, Citalopram, Buspirone

3. Recognizing Side Effects

REPORT IMMEDIATELY to Supervisor:

  • 🚨 Difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • 🚨 Severe dizziness or fainting
  • 🚨 Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • 🚨 Swelling of face, lips, or tongue
  • 🚨 Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • 🚨 Sudden confusion or behavior changes
  • 🚨 Rash or hives

Common Side Effects (Still Report):

  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness or fatigue
  • Mild nausea
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Dizziness

4. Medication Storage & Safety

Proper Storage:

  • Keep in original labeled containers
  • Store in cool, dry place (unless refrigeration required)
  • Keep out of reach of children/pets
  • Protect from direct sunlight
  • Check expiration dates monthly

Pill Organizers:

  • Only family members or nurses can fill organizers
  • You may hand the filled organizer to client
  • Report if pills look different than usual
  • Never sort or organize medications yourself

5. Documentation Template

Sample Documentation:

"10:00 AM - Reminded Mrs. Smith to take morning medications. Client self-administered 3 pills from pill organizer with water. No difficulties observed. Client tolerated well, no side effects noted."

"2:00 PM - Reminded Mr. Jones to take afternoon medication. Client stated 'I already took it' but organizer still full. Supervisor notified per protocol. Will monitor closely."

Red Flags to Report:

  • ⚠️ Client taking medications from multiple doctors who may not coordinate
  • ⚠️ Expired medications still being used
  • ⚠️ Medications not matching the list provided
  • ⚠️ Client hoarding or hiding pills
  • ⚠️ Confusion about when/how to take medications
  • ⚠️ Running out of medications before refill due

Remember: When in Doubt, Ask!

Never hesitate to contact your supervisor with medication questions or concerns. It's better to ask than to make an error.

Module 7: Medication Awareness | Version 1.0