Principles of Management, Storage, and Disposal of Medications in the Home Setting

• Administer medications only to the client admitted to the home-health service (i.e., not to a spouse or relative).
• Administer only those drugs prescribed by the attending doctor.
• Prepare a written schedule of medications that is developed based on the client's schedule of activities and sleeping patterns.
• Post a schedule on the refrigerator to help remind the client of medication administration times.
• For clients at home who have problems with memory, use devices that remind them when drugs must be taken (e.g., calendars, daily pill dispensers).
• Try taping single pills to a piece of cardboard (out of reach of children) to help increase client recognition and understanding of each medication and its appropriate administration.
• Use a color code or notation on each pill bottle to help with recognition. A 7-day pill administration box may be helpful.
• If working with a client to use a medication box that is set up once a week, ensure that a family member or caregiver is available who can continue to set up the medication box after the client has been discharged from nursing services (this may be necessary to meet requirements of some insurance companies for coverage).
• Review the schedule of administration on each visit and with each change in medication.
• Instruct clients to store medications in original labeled containers, with containers for current medications grouped close together.
• Highlight the number of refills on a prescription bottle with a marker to assist the client in timely reordering of medications.
• If refrigeration is needed, store medications away from food items in an area of limited access.
• Teach how to determine expiration dates.
• Instruct to flush old pills down toilet and discard bottle.