The Hidden Cost of Medication Waste in Care Homes

Medication waste is an issue that care homes across the UK can no longer afford to ignore. From unused blister packs to overstocked medicines that expire before use, the scale of waste is staggering. According to NHS data, up to £300 million worth of medicines go to waste every year in England alone - £50 million of which is wasted in care homes.

But the cost of medication waste isn’t just financial. Every year, unused drugs are incinerated or flushed away, harming the environment. With the rising focus on sustainability in social care  and the regulators now inspecting environmental sustainability under well-led, care homes must take action to reduce unnecessary waste while ensuring residents receive the right medication at the right time.

This is where electronic Medication Administration Records (eMAR) can make a real difference.

Why Medication Waste Happens in Care Homes

Medication waste typically occurs due to:

• Over-ordering – Without an accurate stock record, homes may reorder medications that are already available.
   
• Unused medications – When a resident’s prescription changes or they move to a new setting, surplus medication is often discarded.
   
• Missed doses – If a dose is missed and not recorded properly, medication may be wasted or lead to errors in stock levels.
   
• Manual stock tracking errors – Paper-based systems make it harder to monitor supply levels accurately, leading to overstocking or shortages.
   

How eMAR Helps Reduce Medication Waste

A digital medication management system like eMAR is imperative for reducing waste, improving stock control, and ensuring compliance with medication protocols. Here’s how:

✅ Real-Time Stock Tracking
 eMAR provides an up-to-date record of medication stock, preventing unnecessary reordering. Care teams can see exactly what is available and what is running low, reducing the likelihood of stockpiling medicines.

✅ Automated Alerts for Reordering
 The system sends timely reminders for medication orders, ensuring homes only order what they need when they need it. This prevents over-ordering and minimises expired stock.

✅ Accurate Dose Recording
 With real-time medication administration records, staff can track whether doses have been given, missed, or refused - helping to prevent unused medication from accumulating.

✅ Improved Communication with Pharmacies
 eMAR connects care homes with pharmacies in real-time, ensuring that prescriptions are accurate, up to date, and only dispensed when necessary. This reduces the risk of unnecessary medications being delivered.

✅ Supports Sustainability Goals
 By reducing unnecessary medication orders and minimising disposal, eMAR helps care homes align with the NHS’s Net Zero strategy, contributing to a greener future for social care.

A Cost-Saving and Sustainable Future

By adopting eMAR, care homes can achieve:
 💰 Significant cost savings by eliminating over-ordering and waste.
 🌱 A reduced environmental impact through better medication management.
 ✔️ Improved compliance with CQC guidelines and sustainability initiatives.

Medication waste isn’t just an operational issue - it’s a financial, environmental, and ethical challenge. Care homes that embrace smart digital solutions like eMAR will not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable and responsible approach to care.

Ready to Make the Change?

Switching to eMAR is easier than you think. Contact MED e-care today to learn how digital medication management can help your care home reduce waste, save money, and improve resident care.