Medication administration by unlicensed caregivers. A model program.

The assisted living housing option for older adults with limitations in activities of daily living presents a problem with medication administration. The purpose of this project was to expand the functions of the unlicensed caregivers in Group Senior Assisted Housing (GSAH) in Maryland. The caregivers and the GSAH providers or managers completed a 16-hour medication administration training program. Additionally, an oversight program using a delegating registered nurse (DRN) was established. The DRN verified the learning of the unlicensed caregivers, delegated medication administration (not including injections), and monitored this new care practice. Completion rate of the training program was 89% (N = 176). A high school education was significant in being successful. The oversight by the DRN was positively received by the caregivers, and it was clear that this was an essential part of the program. The project led to the first statewide regulations related to medication administration in assisted living.