Providing medication reminders and opening packaging but does not mean giving the service recipient injections or any form of medication or medication administration that would only be appropriate and acceptable for persons who are authorized to do so. Medication Assistance includes the following

• Loosening the cap on a pill bottle for oral medications
• Opening a pill reminder box if the box is filled by the service recipient or authorized representative or licensed medical personnel practicing within the scope of their license.
• Placing medication within reach of the service recipient
• Holding a service recipient’s hand steady to help them with drinking liquid medications
• Guiding the service recipient’s hand when the individual is applying eye/ear/nose drops and wiping the excess liquid away
• Helping with a nasal cannula or mask for oxygen, plugging the machine in, and turning it on
• Applying non-prescription creams and lotions purchased over the counter to external parts of the body

Employees do NOT

• Administer medication
• Take verbal orders from medical personnel