supported living

[redsails]

my friends son lives in supported living, she picks him up twice a week and takes him back to the family home for a few hours then takes him back just before bedtime. Last week she discovered that her son’s medication hadn’t been put in his bag. When questioned, the house manager said that agency, and not in house staff had been on shift at the time and had just forgotten to put the medication in the bag which I find quite disturbing, surely this is unacceptable. I feel that agency staff in particular should know the procedure when a resident they are supporting is visiting family, especially where medication is involved. Does anyone have any thoughts in this please?

[Happyshopper18]

Hi.I also take my son out for regular home visits. I always call staff before I leave to ask them to get his meds ready. I then check they are in his bag before I leave his house. I have to sign a form as well for taking his meds with me.

[Bergersil400]

From experience I never trusted the agency staff who at times were supporting my daughter who is non verbal and sadly some couldn't communicate in English very well. After intervention from CHC she no longer has agency staff looking after her and new management doesn't employ them at her SL anymore .The policy where my daughter is which is a 10 bed complex with senior staff always on site, that senior staff always come round to administer or check meds have been given at correct times.

My daughter comes to us most weeks and meds are always packed with her clothing etc. We also have to sign for them both when we take her out and bring her back. She is only given the correct amount of tabs for her only regular medication,for what she needs. Occasionally not enough of her PRN medication sent which is in liquid form.

It is important that meds are checked thoroughly for safety purposes as they would be in a hospital and agency staff could make mistakes if they don't know the routine.