When Grandparents Help With Kids' Medicines in Brampton

In many Brampton families, grandparents are the backbone of child care. They do school pickups, cook dinner, care for a sick grandchild when parents cannot miss work, and sometimes live under the same roof full-time. This kind of multigenerational support is a gift for children and parents alike.

It also means that grandparents are often the ones giving medicine to children: a fever reducer during a cold, an antibiotic at lunchtime, an inhaler before soccer practice or an allergy medicine in spring. Doing this safely takes some coordination. Recommendations have changed over the decades, children’s products are different from adult ones, and grandparents may have their own medicines in the same home.

This article offers practical ways for families to share medicine responsibilities smoothly. The pharmacists at Pharmasave BramNorth on Dewside Drive in Brampton are glad to explain instructions to any family member who helps care for your children.

Why clear communication matters

When more than one person gives a child medicine, there are more opportunities for mistakes. A parent may give a dose before work, and a grandparent, not knowing, gives another at lunch. A grandparent may use a kitchen spoon instead of the dosing syringe. Instructions may be lost in translation if family members speak different first languages.

None of these errors come from a lack of care. They come from gaps in communication. Simple systems close those gaps.

It also helps to agree on who is “in charge” of each medicine. When a child starts a new prescription, one parent might take responsibility for explaining it to everyone else, keeping the log up to date and calling the pharmacy with questions. Having one clear point person reduces the chance that each adult assumes someone else has it covered. Grandparents, in turn, should feel free to ask questions without worrying that they are being a bother. A quick text to confirm “Did she already have her medicine this morning?” is always better than guessing.

Advice that has changed since the last generation

Recommendations for children’s health have evolved over the years, and some practices that were common when grandparents raised their own children are no longer advised. Gently sharing current advice can help, framed as “here’s what the pharmacist told us” rather than a correction. A few examples:

• Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was once commonly given to children for fever. Today, it is not recommended for children or teenagers unless a doctor specifically advises it, because of its link to Reye’s syndrome.
• Cough and cold medicines are not recommended for young children. Health Canada advises against giving over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to children under six.
• Honey should not be given to babies under one year old because of the risk of infant botulism, though it may be used to soothe coughs in older children.
• Alcohol rubs and cold baths are no longer recommended for bringing down a fever.
• Teething necklaces and some teething gels are discouraged due to safety concerns.
• Kitchen spoons should be replaced with proper measuring devices.
• Safe sleep recommendations have changed, with babies now placed on their backs on a firm, flat surface without pillows or bumpers.

Respect the experience grandparents bring while explaining the reasons behind updated advice. Many grandparents appreciate learning what has changed.

A written medicine plan for each child

For any child who takes medicine regularly or during an illness, write down:

• The child’s name and approximate weight.
• The name of each medicine.
• The dose, written in millilitres for liquids, and how to measure it.
• When to give it.
• How long to continue it.
• Any special instructions, such as “with food” or “shake well.”
• What side effects to watch for.
• Who to call with questions.

Keep the plan with the medicine or on the fridge. If grandparents read more comfortably in another language, consider writing the key points in that language too, or asking the pharmacy whether translated information is available.

A shared dose log prevents doubling

A simple log, kept near the medicine, prevents missed or double doses. Record the date, time, medicine, amount and the initials of the person who gave it. Every caregiver writes in it immediately after giving a dose.

Some families prefer a shared note or group chat on their phones. Use whichever system everyone will actually use consistently. Before giving a dose, each caregiver checks the log first.

Showing, not just telling

Measuring liquid medicine accurately with an oral syringe or dosing cup is a skill. Take a few minutes to demonstrate it to grandparents. Show them:

• How to read the markings on the syringe or cup.
• The exact line for the child’s dose.
• How to give the dose into the cheek for younger children.
• How to clean the device.

If eyesight is a concern, mark the correct dose line on the syringe with a small piece of tape or a marker, and make sure there is good lighting. Our article on measuring children’s liquid medicine has detailed steps. Our pharmacists are happy to demonstrate to grandparents directly; bring them along when you pick up a new prescription.

Keeping two generations of medicines separate

When grandparents live with the family or care for children in their own home, their medicines may be within reach of curious children. Some medicines commonly taken by older adults, such as those for heart conditions, diabetes, blood pressure and pain, can be very dangerous to young children even in small amounts.

Practical steps include:

• Storing all adult medicines in a locked box or high cupboard.
• Keeping pill organisers out of reach and out of sight. Weekly organisers often open easily and are attractive to children.
• Not taking medicines in front of young children, who may try to imitate.
• Keeping children’s and adults’ medicines in separate, clearly labelled containers to avoid mix-ups.
• Storing purses and bags that contain medicines up high.

If a grandparent uses compliance packs, these still need to be kept out of children’s reach. Our article on safe medicine storage for families offers more ideas.

Medicines at the grandparents’ home

If children spend time at grandparents’ homes, consider:

• Sending medicines in their original labelled containers with the measuring device.
• Including the written plan and dose log.
• Checking that grandparents’ medicines are stored safely.
• Making sure grandparents know where the thermometer and first aid supplies are.
• Asking the pharmacy for a second labelled bottle if a child’s medicine needs to be in two places.

If a child has an emergency medicine, such as an epinephrine auto-injector, make sure grandparents know how and when to use it and practise with a trainer device.

Consent and information-sharing

Grandparents may sometimes pick up prescriptions or call the pharmacy with questions. Talk with your pharmacy about how this can work for your family. Pharmacies have privacy obligations, so ask what is needed for another family member to pick up or discuss a child’s prescription.

Make sure grandparents have your child’s health card information, allergies and doctor’s contact details for emergencies.

If grandparents may need to take a child to a walk-in clinic or emergency department when you cannot be reached, consider writing a short signed note authorising them to seek care on your behalf, and keep a copy with the child’s health card information. Ask your doctor’s office whether they have any specific requirements. Grandparents should also know how to reach you quickly, and parents should keep their phones close on days when a child is unwell.

Supporting grandparents’ own health

Caring for grandchildren is rewarding but can be tiring, especially for grandparents managing their own health conditions. Encourage grandparents to look after themselves, take their own medicines on schedule and keep up with their own appointments.

A medication review with a pharmacist, where eligible, can help grandparents make sense of their own medicines. If getting to the pharmacy is difficult, ask us about our home delivery service.

Questions families often ask

Can a grandparent call the pharmacy with questions about a grandchild’s medicine? Pharmacists can give general advice on many topics. For specific questions about a child’s prescription, ask the pharmacy what consent is needed.

What if a grandparent accidentally gives an extra dose? Stay calm and call the Ontario Poison Centre at 1-800-268-9017 for advice, or call 911 if the child seems unwell.

What if a child accidentally takes a grandparent’s medicine? Call the Ontario Poison Centre right away, even if the child seems fine. Keep the container to provide details.

We are happy to help the whole family

Grandparents, parents and other caregivers are all welcome to bring questions to our pharmacists. We can explain instructions, demonstrate measuring devices and help families set up systems that keep children safe.

Visit Pharmasave BramNorth at 25 & 26 - 2 Dewside Drive, Brampton, ON L6R 3Y5, or call (905) 792-7333. Find store details on our contact page, or book a time for the whole family to meet with a pharmacist through our booking page.

This article is intended as general information for families who share caregiving. Specific questions about a child’s or an adult’s medicines should be discussed with a pharmacist or doctor.