Managing medications
A person living with a life-limiting illness will often take multiple medications to manage their symptoms, provide them with the greatest level of comfort, and to allow them to feel their best. They may also have medications that they have been taking for a long time for other conditions that are not related to their illness – it is important to have knowledge of the medications, what they do, and why they are being used.
All medications should be stored safely, and as directed by the manufacturer. It is also very important that Banksia staff know about all of the medications that are being used – that will help us provide the best care and advice. There are many medications that are used in palliative care, and they are used for many reasons, and to manage many different symptoms or issues that person may be experiencing – they may also be used to prevent an issue arising, which can be equally as important.
It can be beneficial to have long-term medications reviewed by your doctor regularly. Your loved one may be taking several medications each day, and you may not think that some of the medications they have been taking for a long time are still needed, as their use will not affect their long-term health (eg cholesterol tablets). It is always valuable to discuss the benefits of medications with your doctor, and if the benefit is considered to be low, it is OK to discuss stopping those medications, and keeping only what is needed for comfort.
Medications can be given in a number of ways – it will depend on the medication required, however in palliative care, the most regular ways for someone to take their drugs are orally (by mouth) and subcutaneously (through a very small tube that is inserted just under the skin, that allows the medication to be injected). When the subcutaneous method is required, which is usually when a person has deteriorated, or is unable to swallow safely, the nurses will prepare the medications in the syringes. They will teach you all need to know – our team are experts at teaching people about medications, including how to give them in this way.
Note: Many medications have side effects – some of the medications are quite strong and may make a person tired and unable to be left at home alone, or do other activities, such as drive. As the need to change medications arises, we will work very closely with your doctor/s to ensure that we have all of the medications available that we may need to use if things change quickly. We will communicate with you as the carer, and our client throughout this entire process, and will welcome and answer any questions that you may have – your understanding of the medications that are being used, is important.