Homely remedies in care homes are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines used for minor ailments without a prescription. Care homes should have a clear policy outlining which remedies can be used, for which conditions, and for how long before seeking medical advice. These medicines should be stored securely, checked for expiry, and administered only by trained staff with proper recording.
Consent from the resident or their representative, along with approval from a GP or pharmacist, is recommended to ensure safe use. We have put together a simple toolkit which covers everything you need to safely use homely remedies in your care home.