Certified Medication Aide

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Medication Self-Administration Support 

• Support residents who have been clinically assessed and approved to self-administer medications with assistance or oversight
• Provide verbal prompts, visual cues, redirection, and step-by-step reminders appropriate for residents with cognitive impairment
• Observe residents during self-administration to confirm medications are taken correctly and safely, without preparing, measuring, selecting, or handing individual doses.
• Maintain consistent medication routines to reduce anxiety, refusal, and confusion common in dementia care.
• Respect residents’ right to refuse medication; document refusals immediately and report patterns to nursing leadership.

Medication Safety and Oversight

• Ensure medications are stored, labeled, and secured per NYS DOH Assisted Living/Memory Care regulations.
• Monitor for side effects, swallowing difficulties, behavioral changes, or adverse reactions, and report findings promptly to the RN.
• Recognize when a resident’s cognitive decline may require re-evaluation of self-administration status and escalate concerns appropriately.

Documentation and Communication

• Accurately document self-administration, refusals, PRN use (when permitted), and observations in the MAR/eMAR according to policy.
• Participate in medication self-administration assessments and reassessments required for memory care residents.
• Communicate effectively with nursing staff, memory care leadership, and interdisciplinary team members regarding resident status.

Dementia-Focused Care Responsibilities

• Use person-centered, trauma-informed dementia care techniques during medication routines.
• De-escalate agitation or resistance using approved non-pharmacological interventions.
• Maintain resident dignity, privacy, and autonomy during all medication-related interactions.