Responding To Medication Refusals

Responding To Medication Refusals

For adults who are disabled or need constant care, group homes offer the around the clock care necessary while providing a sense of community. However, like nursing homes and other long term care facilities, residents in group homes are susceptible to dangers like neglect, abuse, and medication errors. Experts don’t believe the reporting rate is accurate. Medication errors at group homes are completely self-reported, meaning group homes could be grossly underreporting medication errors.

Unlike in other long term care facilities, employees at group homes go through significantly less training regarding the administration of medication. Many group homes employ “direct care providers” who do not have any medical training. Direct care providers are only required to pass a three-day course before employment.

Group homes choose to employ direct care providers to administer medication rather than registered nurses because it is much less costly. This decision to put profits before patients is incredibly dangerous. Just one incorrect dose could be fatal, but direct care providers are allowed to make three medication errors before facing serious consequences.

Group homes need to do everything in their power to help prevent medication errors. Without the appropriate medical education, direct care providers are set up for failure and put patients at risk. Residents in group homes do not always have a family member or advocate to contact when they experience a medication error, and are often left to suffer alone.

Just, remember that individual/consumers do have the right refuse medications. If possible, try to find out why the medication is being refused and see if you can make a change. This may require observation as well as trial and error in individuals who cannot communicate well.

Do not give a second dose of medication that has been spit out. It is impossible to tell what amount was swallowed or absorbed.   

Please follow the PROVIDER'S RULES and REGULATIONS in regards to reporting, documenting and your safety as a worker. Be sure to have a reporting phone for communication  assistance such contacting a nurse for that company. Most Providers from my experience does not allow staff to communicate with Parents or Guardians in this regard due to HIPPA and or to keep a streamline of communication.

No test, every company Provider has a detailed guidelines for reporting medication errors.






WhatsUpJayTee Disclaimer 


*The videos linked does not belong to WhatsUpJayTee, for additional information and resources ONLY.