It is not unusual to meet live-in carers who use homeopathic remedies on themselves. Unfortunately, it is also not unusual to find that they may occasionally try out their own remedies on their client. The question then, is this. Can I give my client my homeopathic remedy or not?
First let’s look at what homeopathy is. Homeopathic products are derived from mineral, biological and botanical products. They can be classified as either prescription or over the counter medicines.
You will find homeopathic products in every chemist and often supermarkets. They include eye drops, nasal sprays, lozenges, ointments, tablets, creams, capsules, suppositories and syrups.
Typically, OTC homeopathic products are used for self-diagnosis conditions such as colds and sore throats although they are also used in such things as cancer.
So, can you give your client a homeopathic remedy?
Technically you can, but should you? The answer here is – and always will be (check with your agency) – a resounding ‘no, you should not.’
You may be in a position where a family member asks you to administer a remedy because it has worked for them – why should it not work for mom? Before you accept any medication, which is not prescribed by your client’s GP, you should be asking the question as to why it is not on the list of prescribed medication. If the doctor had meant it to be there, he would have prescribed it.
If you go ahead and administer any other medication you are placing yourself in the position of taking over the healthcare of the client. Are you qualified to do this? Possibly not. Do you know what the remedy will react to? Probably not. Other than your own supposition, can you predict the results of mixing two remedies? More than likely not.
Why then, would you put yourself in a position to be blamed for any adverse reaction your client may have by adding another medication to their diet?
On any homeopathic website you will see a disclaimer which includes this sentence. ‘and you should always seek qualified advice before selecting homeopathic medicines for yourself or your children.’ This is a very clear indication that you simply should not go ahead and give something to your client without first discussing it with their doctor.
If you really do feel that a homeopathic remedy could benefit your client, then approach the GP and point out your views. He may or may not listen to you. Whatever he does, it is not up to you to go ahead and administer remedies to your client.
Never, ever stop your client from taking a prescribed medication so that you can ‘have a go’ at a homeopathic remedy. You are setting yourself up for a legal battle if something were to go wrong. Often a person must be slowly weaned off a medication, and should you go ahead and stop giving it to them, they may end up being hospitalised and possible die.
To sum up
There will always be live-in carers who swear by one or other homeopathic remedy and -touch wood – their clients have been okay. This is not the right thing to do, don’t be tempted to do it. Your first port of call is the family doctor. This way you will be covering yourself if anything untoward happens to your client.
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