All clients have the right to be assessed for self-administration.

Risk assessments are updated and reviewed regularly, particularly if the individuals condition or abilities change.

Risk assessments include:

• Mental ability– determining the understanding of storage, dosage, frequency, time spacing and consequences of not taking medication as prescribed.
• Physical ability– consideration of whether the individual is physically capable of sufficiently handling medicines and the containers they come in, as well as their ability to reach the area for application, or even sit up independently to take medication.
• Emotional and Mental state – the willingness and ability to take medication may be dependent on depression, anxiety and motivation. Therefore these might need to be considered when assessing a persons capabilities in self administration.