{"id":3965,"date":"2024-03-22T09:00:45","date_gmt":"2024-03-22T09:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/39\/?p=3965"},"modified":"2024-03-29T11:14:01","modified_gmt":"2024-03-29T11:14:01","slug":"what-to-do-when-elderly-parent-with-dementia-refuses-to-take-medication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/39\/california\/sandiego\/blog\/what-to-do-when-elderly-parent-with-dementia-refuses-to-take-medication\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Tips for when Seniors Avoid Taking Dementia Medications"},"content":{"rendered":"
For seniors with dementia, it can be difficult to trust people or make sense of the world around them. If your elderly loved one with dementia experiences these feelings of confusion and suspicion, he or she may also begin to resist doing important everyday activities, such as eating or taking prescribed medications. To ensure your loved one takes the medications necessary to stay healthy, try the following strategies.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Try Liquid Medications<\/b><\/h2>\n

Some of your loved one\u2019s pills could be too large and difficult to swallow.\u00a0Whether aging adults have dementia or another health condition, swallowing pills can often be challenging for them. If your loved one refuses to take medication because he or she is uncomfortable with swallowing pills, ask your loved one\u2019s physician if there are liquid alternatives available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Professional caregivers with training and expertise in dementia care can often identify the reasons for seniors\u2019 reluctance to take medication. Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. We are a leading provider of <\/span>dementia care. San Diego<\/span><\/a> families can take advantage of our flexible and customizable care plans, and our caregivers always stay up to date on the latest developments in senior care.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Distract Your Loved One<\/b><\/h2>\n

For seniors with dementia who experience paranoia and delusions, offering them medications can lead to discomfort and extreme suspicion. However, presenting the medication without ceremony can sometimes prevent this type of reaction. Start a conversation about something pleasant, such as a favorite family memory, then casually hand your loved one the medication as he or she is speaking. This way, your loved one may unthinkingly take the medication without becoming suspicious.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You might also consider offering your loved one a treat as a reward for taking the medication. For instance, you could place a piece of chocolate in front of your loved one and say it will be a treat after taking the medication. Such treats can also serve to take away any bitter taste medications may leave behind, and your loved one may begin to associate taking medicine with a positive experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Hide Medication in Food or Drink<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re unable to distract your loved one so he or she takes medications without noticing, putting them into foods or drinks can hide the bad taste as well as prevent feelings of suspicion. For liquid medication, prepare a tea or other food item you can mix the medication into. For pills, crush them and add to drinks or soft foods such as applesauce. However, never crush up a pill without asking your loved one\u2019s physician or pharmacist, as some pills contain special coatings or are meant to be time-released and shouldn\u2019t be broken down.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A trained caregiver with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated <\/span>at-home care<\/span> providers<\/span> can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer\u2019s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson\u2019s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Ask about Sprays<\/b><\/h2>\n

For medications that aren\u2019t available in liquid form and can\u2019t be crushed up, there\u2019s another alternative. Certain pills can be sprayed with a liquid that makes them slippery and easier to swallow, so consider asking your loved one\u2019s doctor if he or she can recommend or prescribe a good pill spray for this purpose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If your loved one with dementia is avoiding taking medications, these suggestions can help you handle his or her care more effectively. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, medication reminders, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of <\/span>home care San Diego<\/span><\/a> families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer\u2019s, and Parkinson\u2019s. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today to s<\/span>chedule a free in-home consultation.<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"For seniors with dementia, it can be difficult to trust people or make sense of the world around them. If your elderly loved one with dementia experiences these feelings of confusion and suspicion, he or she may also begin to resist doing important everyday activities, such as eating or taking prescribed medications. To ensure your loved one takes the medications...","protected":false},"author":152,"featured_media":3966,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3965","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dementia-care"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n4 Ways to Make Sure a Loved One with Dementia Takes Medication<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Getting aging adults with dementia to take their medicine can often be challenging. 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