Why Safe and Person-Centred Medication Practices Are Essential in Aged Care
Effective medication management in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) is critical to ensuring safe, person-centred care for older Australians. In accordance with national healthcare standards, the Australian Government has established 15 Guiding Principles for Medication Management to promote quality use of medicines in RACFs. These principles form the foundation for best practices in aged care medication safety, resident engagement, and regulatory compliance.
In this article, we’ll walk you through each of these 15 principles and explain how they support better outcomes for aged care residents and staff alike.
1. Person-Centred Care
Medication management must be built around the individual’s unique needs, preferences, and rights. Person-centred care includes emotional support, informed consent, respect, and the involvement of family and carers in decision-making. Residents have the right to partner in their care to the extent they choose.
2. Communicating About Medicines
Clear, accessible, and respectful communication about medications is essential. This includes accounting for health literacy, supporting shared decision-making, and ensuring residents and carers feel empowered through advocacy and self-determination.
3. Clinical Governance of Medication Management
Every RACF should have robust clinical governance systems to ensure safe, effective medication practices. These systems support quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in medicine use.
4. Evaluation and Quality Improvement
Facilities must routinely review mandatory medication management indicators, assess risks, and take corrective actions when necessary. Continuous quality improvement ensures medication-related incidents are minimised.
5. Information Resources
Access to up-to-date, evidence-based medicine information is critical. This includes resources for residents, families, staff, and healthcare providers to support informed decisions and safe medication use.
6. Selection of Medicines
The selection of medicines within RACFs must be evidence-based and aligned with national standards. Informed choices help ensure each medicine prescribed delivers genuine clinical benefit.
7. Complementary and Non-Prescription Medicines
Residents often use complementary or self-selected medications. RACFs must ensure these are used safely, with appropriate guidance and documentation to reduce risk of interactions or adverse effects.
8. Nurse-Initiated Medicines
Where appropriate, facilities can implement protocols for the nurse-led initiation of certain non-prescription medications. Policies must be endorsed by the Medication Advisory Committee (MAC) and follow clinical guidelines.
9. Documentation of Medication Management
Accurate and current medication records are vital. Whether paper-based or electronic, medication charts must reflect what is selected, prescribed, dispensed, and administered to each resident.
10. Medication Reconciliation
Medication reconciliation ensures accuracy when care is transferred or new medications are introduced. This process helps verify history, avoid errors, and confirm proper ordering and supply.
11. Medication Review
Regular and as-needed medication reviews should be performed by the care team and visiting healthcare professionals to optimise therapy and minimise medication-related problems.
12. Continuity of Supply
Timely and uninterrupted access to medications—including during emergencies—is essential. RACFs should maintain emergency stock and coordinate with pharmacies to ensure continuous supply.
13. Storage and Disposal of Medicines
Facilities must implement strict policies for the safe storage, handling, and disposal of all medications, including expired or unwanted drugs. Disposal should follow environmental best practices to prevent harm and misuse.
14. Self-Administration of Medicines
Residents may choose to self-administer medications. RACFs must have protocols in place to assess and support this safely, ensuring the resident’s capacity and consent are regularly reviewed.
15. Administration of Medicines by Nurses
RACFs must ensure all nursing staff administering medications are properly trained and authorised. Policies should be reviewed and endorsed by the MAC to maintain safe, compliant administration practices.
Why These Guiding Principles Matter
These 15 guiding principles serve as the national framework for safe, effective, and person-centred medication management in aged care. They support:
- Reduced medication errors and adverse events
- Enhanced resident engagement and wellbeing
- Improved regulatory compliance and clinical governance
- Greater confidence among healthcare teams and carers
Final Thoughts on Medication Competency
Medication management in aged care isn’t just about dispensing pills—it’s about respecting residents’ dignity, choices, and safety at every stage. By following these 15 guiding principles, RACFs can ensure high-quality care that aligns with Australia’s best practice standards.
Ready to learn more about medication management?
Auscare offers nationally recognised training for aged care workers and nurses. Learn more about our Medication Competency training. Got questions? Get in touch today.