Since many older adults take one or more medications daily, it can be easy for a mix-up to happen. When it comes to older adults, medication management is especially important for improving their quality of life and preventing unpleasant side effects or overmedication.
A MAR chart is a tool that carers use to record the administration of medicine. By keeping accurate and up-to-date medication records, a MAR chart will help keep your loved ones safe.
Learn more about how our experienced and dedicated carers use MAR charts to record important information like how and when medication is administered.
What is a MAR Chart?
A MAR chart stands for a Medication Administration Record. It is a working document used to keep an accurate record of the type of medication and the time it is administered. Each MAR chart lasts for one month before being replaced by a new one.
For medication to be properly managed, all the medication an individual must take be recorded on their MAR chart. This includes both medications taken over-the-counter or prescribed by a GP. Keeping an accurate record of all medications taken can help avoid dangerous medication interactions.
A MAR chart should contain important information such as:
- What medication the individual is prescribed
- The time when the medication should be taken
- The dosage of the medication
- Specific instructions, such as if medication must be taken before bed or with food
A MAR chart should also include important information such as any adverse reactions or side effects that occur upon taking medication or if the medication was refused.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) requires that MAR charts be filled out immediately after someone is administered medication. This helps to ensure that there are no mistakes or omissions on the MAR chart.
Can a Home carer administer medication?
A carer can administer medication provided that it is included in their care plan and they have received the proper training to do so.
The ability to administer medication may be recommended by the client’s GP or the client may request it for themselves. A carer can administer the medication directly or they can simply provide a friendly reminder to do so. This will be decided during the initial assessment before care commences and will be carefully detailed in the care plan.
What medication can a Home carer administer?
At Prestige Nursing & Care, all of our carers are trained in the proper administration of medication. This means that our carers can support you or a loved one with medication management and administration, accurately recording the results in a MAR chart and providing assistance with blister packages or dosette boxes.
Our carers can also administer non-complex medication and care such as:
- Tablets or liquids (orally)
- Creams
- Inhalers
- Eye or ear drops
If your loved one requires clinical care or medication to be administered in specific ways, we also provide specialist nurse-led care delivered by highly-trained carers. Our nurse-led care is managed by a registered nurse that oversees the clinical care provided by our carers.
Some of the clinical interventions we can provide include:
- Respiratory and airway support
- Tracheostomy management
- Feeding support (including PEG feeding)
- Stoma and catheter care.
Expert care at home for all of life
The best way to ensure that your loved one receives the proper care is through qualified medication management. High quality care delivered by home care experts will ensure your loved ones receive the one-to-one care they need to properly manage their medications and live independently.
For over 75 years, Prestige Nursing & Care has been trusted by our clients to provide compassionate and bespoke home care across the UK and Scotland. Our expert care is highly-personalised and will be tailored to meet your unique care needs while improving your quality of life and enhancing your well-being.
We offer a variety of flexible care services that can evolve as your care needs change. Care can be provided for as little as 60 minutes a day up to as many hours/visits you need throughout the week. With the help of our skilled carers, you can continue to live life your way while benefiting from one-to-one dedicated support.
For those with complex care needs, we can provide care 24 hours a day. If you are living with a condition such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias that limit your ability to live independently at home, nurse-led care is also available.
Do not hesitate to contact us and one of our friendly advisors will provide you with information and impartial guidance on the care options available to you.
APPLYING FOR A CARER JOB WITH US
Ready to start a rewarding and meaningful new career with Prestige Nursing & Care? Whatever your skills or experience, applying for a role is simple. You can learn more about our recruitment process in our carer jobs section.
Contact our friendly recruitment team or explore our current carer jobs to see what’s on offer at Prestige Nursing & Care.
