How old do you have to be to administer medication in a care home?

Young people aged 16 and 17-years-old can work supervised in a care home as part of an apprenticeship pathway and if deemed competent and providing they have the necessary skills and training, can deliver personal care. This includes medication administration. However, it is more common for staff over 18 to do this in care homes.

Please see attached guidance from Skills for Care on 16 and 17-year-olds working in care homes:

Guidance on employing workers aged 16 and 17 (skillsforcare.org.uk)