What is an MAR chart?
An MAR chart stands for a Medication Administration Record and is a document used to record administration of medicines.
All medicines for a customer should be listed on an individual MAR chart, whether they are prescribed by a GP or if they are bought over the counter, and it is extremely important that all information is recorded clearly, accurately and is kept up to date.
If an individual requires medication, there must be a MAR chart that details:
The correct medicines
The MAR chart must list which medicines have been prescribed
When to administer them
The times at which the medication is to be given should be clearly stated
Dosage
Such as giving the medicines with food, or time-specific medications
Special information
Such as giving the medicines with food, or time-specific medications
Can a carer administer medication?
All of our carers are trained to administer medication, but this must be agreed in advance.
If you’re receiving live-in care, your carer will be able to support you with your medication – but only if your care plan states that this is something you require.
Carers must always comply with the support plan and the instructions provided – in some cases, customers may be able to administer some of their medications independently or with gentle prompting, but not others. For example, a customer may not need support to take tablets orally but may be unable to apply creams themselves and require their carer to do this for them.
How we ensure you get the right support:
Arrange a care assessment
We’ll arrange a time for an initial care assessment in your home, where your local Live-in Care Manager will discuss your care needs
Consult your GP and others
Our Clinical Nursing team will work alongside your GP and your loved ones to determine your medication needs and agree a suitable plan
Create a personalised support plan
We’ll design a care plan that is tailored to your specific needs, and we’ll monitor your condition in case any changes are required
What types of medication can we help with?
Our award-winning training covers all aspects of general medication, including how to administer medication, how to record and use the MAR chart correctly, assisting with the opening of blister packs and using dosette boxes. All of our live-in carers are able to administer non-complex medication, although if a customer has more complex medical needs and requires clinical care or medication to be administered in a specific way, carers are only able to do so if they have been given the correct training. Our wonderful carers can help out with:
Tablets or liquids (orally)
A live-in carer can help you or a loved one if you have trouble swallowing
Eye or ear drops
Careful, sensitive help applying eye drops and ear drops when needed
Creams
Your carer can gently apply creams to sores, cuts and sensitive areas of skin
Inhalers
Get help using, maintaining and refilling your inhaler
Continence care
Specially-trained carers can help you manage bowel or bladder problems as easily as possible
PEG feeding
Your carer can help prepare and administer food and fluid through daily feeding tube care
Stoma care
Our dedicated staff can be fully trained to offer discreet care for your stoma needs
Ventilated care
If you are on a mechanical ventilator, staff will receive additional ventilator care and management training
How is medication recorded and managed?
MAR charts can also be used to check and sign medication into the home, carry forward medication from the previous month and to record any circumstances under which medication has not been administered. When regular medication changes or is added to a customer’s medication profile, carers may make amendments to the existing MAR chart.
If there are any ever discrepancies between the MAR chart and any other directive e.g. medicine labels or prescriptions, the pharmacy or prescriber must be contacted by the carer before administration to confirm the correct instructions; the MAR chart must then be amended as necessary. The Care Quality Commission state that MAR charts must be filled out by the carer straight after administration to ensure accuracy.
We take care of your carer
It takes a special combination of patience, empathy and compassion to be a Helping Hands carer.
That’s why we’re extremely proud of our exceptional people and why we’re trusted by so many families to provide care and companionship to those who need support, across the country.
We make sure we continue to support our people after the join us, so they can deliver at their best for you, the customer. In 2024, we were recognised by the Financial Times as a Top 500 employer.
We directly employ all our carers
Every Helping Hands carer is directly employed by us, meaning everyone receives holiday pay, annual leave and pension contributions.
A supportive culture
We ensure our carers have access to dedicated managers and the help and support they need to carry out their role.
Comprehensive training and ongoing development
Our comprehensive training ensures our carers are fully ready to provide a wide range of support to customers from day one while our professional development programme ensure our carers can continue to develop their skills and access opportunities.
Reward and recognition
Our carer Reward and Recognition Programme – Moments of Kindness – celebrates the impact of small gestures and the actions of carers who go the extra mile to create joy, raise a smile, or offer reassurance or a sense of calm. Winners receive shopping vouchers and are featured in our magazine, Voices.
How to arrange care
Speak to our team
Call our friendly team to discuss your options and ask any questions you may have
Free home care assessment
Your local Helping Hands manager will visit you to discuss your care requirements
Find your carer
We’ll match you with a carer who has the experience and skillset for your needs
A fully regulated home care provider
Here at Helping Hands, our service is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)
This means we need to consistently meet high standards and are monitored by our regulators.
