A concern often raised by ECHO’s Support Workers and Nurses is the potential danger that our clients open themselves to by having a cupboard or drawers with many more than their current medications stored.
By not having a dedicated location for only the medications you need that day there is a risk that you might accidentally take and an incorrect medicine and make yourself unwell.
Medicine cupboards are also a magnet for your grandchildren, or other young children visiting your home. A child ‘exploring’ and inadvertently taking something from your medicine cupboard and swallowing it may make themselves very ill, potentially requiring urgent medical attention.
Best practice is to ensure any medicines are out of the reach of children at all times. Additionally, a locked cupboard or drawer for the storage of extra doses of your tablets or liquid medications is highly recommended. The key should be removed from the lock to ensure that a child cannot unlock the cupboard or drawer.
It is also good practice to regularly remove any medicines you are not currently prescribed to take and delivering them to a pharmacy for destruction. This reduces any chance of accidentally taking an incorrect medicine.
Unfortunately, the accidental taking of an incorrect medicine is more common than you would think. ECHO is very keen to help you to guard against this. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask us.