As Certified Residential Medication Aides (CRMAs), a significant part of our role involves ensuring the comfort and well-being of our elderly clients, and a common challenge we encounter is constipation. While it might seem like a minor issue, understanding the complexities of constipation, its medications, and when to intervene (or hold) is vital. This week, let's dive into the details to empower you with the knowledge to provide the best possible care. The Dangers of Untrea

Working in a group home setting requires a sharp eye and a lot of heart. While we often focus on managing primary mental health diagnoses like Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder, many of our residents also live with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) . When ADHD is present in adults, it doesn't always look like the "hyperactive kid" we see in movies. It is often a quiet, frustrating struggle with organization, memory, and emotional regulation. As unlicensed medica

We’ve all been there. The holiday season ends, and suddenly we’re feeling the "side effects" of all that celebration: a little extra weight, persistent fatigue, and maybe a bit of a sluggish brain. While our holiday sluggishness usually fades with a few early bedtimes and some salad, for the residents we care for, medication side effects can be much more serious—and harder to spot. As medication aides, we are the "eyes and ears" for the medical team. End of the holidays Start

Double-Check, Every Time: Why "The Right Medication" is a Lifesaver In the fast-paced world of a medication aide, your routine is your strongest tool—but it can also be your greatest enemy. When you’ve administered hundreds of doses throughout a shift, it’s easy to let muscle memory take over. However, in our profession, "autopilot" is where errors happen. This week, we are focusing on one of the Six Rights of Medication Administration : The Right Medication.  Specifically, w

The seasons have shifted, and with them comes the annual rise in respiratory illnesses. As unlicensed medication aides, you are on the front lines of care, and your diligence is critical, especially since Influenza A is reported to be highly active in our area. Consumers and residents will be counting on your focused attention and accurate medication administration to help manage their symptoms as directed by their healthcare providers. This post will review the main categori

As we head toward Thanksgiving, the number one question on everyone’s mind is: "What’s for dinner?" We all want to know what’s on the menu. Is it turkey or ham? Is Aunt Linda bringing her famous stuffing? Is there pecan pie? We ask because we care about what we put into our bodies. If someone walked up to you, dropped a spoonful of mystery food on your plate, and walked away without a word, you probably wouldn't eat it. You’d want to know what it was first. Our residents are

This blog post is for you, our dedicated unlicensed medication administration staff! When administering medications, especially common ones, it's vital to know the potential long-term effects. Let's look at antacids  and a surprising side effect that connects the stomach to the skeleton. The Antacid Link: Stomach Acid and Bone Health Antacids are very common, used to treat conditions like Heartburn, Indigestion, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) . You see two main ty

As unlicensed medication administration staff, you play a crucial role in providing comfortable and dignified care for clients. One common, yet often embarrassing, complaint you may encounter is an itchy butt , medically known as pruritus ani . 1 While many people immediately jump to the conclusion that the itch is caused by hemorrhoids , the reality is that several issues can trigger it—from simple irritation due to moisture, to diet, to more complex dermatological condition

Your Line of Defense: Why You Must Document Medication Now As a CRMA  or C.N.A.-M , you are the final checkpoint for resident safety. You perform the vital task of medication administration under a nurse's delegation, and your documentation is a legal record of that process. Your most critical rule in medication administration is simple: Always document the medication as  you are giving it, or immediately after it has been administered. The Golden Rule: If It’s Not Documented

Hi everyone! It's October , and you know what that means—it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month ! You'll see pink ribbons everywhere, and that's fantastic, but for those of us working directly in residential care, awareness is also about making sure we follow the safest, smartest protocols every single day. Today, we're talking about a topic that requires serious focus: oral chemotherapy agents —the powerful pills some of our residents take right in the group home. Because they a

To our essential healthcare workforce—CNAs, PSS, MAs, and all support staff—as we move through October 2025 , it's time to focus on your annual influenza vaccination. Protecting yourself is the first step in maintaining the health and safety of your patients and colleagues throughout the upcoming respiratory season. Here is the key information you need regarding this important immunization. Why This Vaccine Matters for Your Role As a healthcare worker in a Designated Healthca

Hey everyone! 👋 We all know our role as medication aides is super important. We're on the front lines, making sure our residents get the...

Memorial day is a time to remember all those who serve. So to all of our students who are veterans, thank you for your service. You and...

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As certified medication administration staff, you have learned how to give your clients their medications safely.  Do you wonder what...

I recently had a head cold that turned into a sinus infection.  I am sure that you can relate!! I was treated with antibiotics or the...

Its cold and flu season.  What do we all reach for when coughing, sneezing and feeling miserable?  Over-the-counter cold products!!!!...

Valium (Diazepam) is a benzodiazepine. Valium works in the brain stopping excess electrical firing of brain cells or seizure activity....

As a Medication Assistant you work with diabetic clients all the time, but why is it important to understand diabetes and medications...