Dementia can severely affect the way people’s thought process work. If you’re taking care of a loved one with dementia, a simple task like taking medicine can be a difficult chore. In this article, we’ll share some tips on how you can help your loved one take medicine easily.
- Build a peaceful and tranquil environment free from stress
An environment without any distracting noise is the perfect scenario for taking medicine. You can play calm, soothing music to set your loved one in a calm and submissive state. It is crucial to create a conducive environment that relaxes them because a relaxed demented is easier to manage.
Also, trivial things like medicine bottles can upset or agitate a loved one with dementia. When you notice the stress-triggering object, next time, it’s a good idea to not bring it near them. Although the anxiety they feel is incomprehensible, it still exists. If you do your best to avoid getting their stress levels into an uncontrollable state, you’ll have an easier time.
- Be quick to notice medicine side effects or illnesses that inconvenience them
Your loved one might refuse to take meds if they feel uncomfortable—either sick or bothered. There are unpleasant side-effects that could surface from taking medications like nausea, stomach ache, or restlessness.
If you suspect that they’re sick or that meds are responsible, consult with a doctor for advice on how to handle the situation better. If it’s not sickness or a side-effect, sometimes it could be a simple predicament like uncomfortable dentures.
- Make pills easier to swallow
Some pills could be too hard to swallow, and that makes them repulsed at the mere sight of their meds. You can consult with your loved one’s doctor to see if there are smaller alternatives that are easier to swallow or use liquid medication counterparts.
Sometimes, a doctor can recommend crushing the meds and adding them to soft meals, like yogurt or applesauce. But, you need to consult a doctor to know which pills are still useful even if crushed.
- Use shorter sentences without any long explanation
Reasoning with people affected by dementia isn’t productive. You can communicate with brief, straightforward sentences that they can understand. There is a high chance that they won’t understand your explanation, so straight-to-the-point instructions work best.
- If nothing works, try again in 15 to 20 minutes
Sometimes, some days are more difficult than others. Nothing you do seems to work. When that happens, don’t try to enforce things strictly. If you get into a heated shouting rage, everything will go downhill from there.
When that happens, the best course of action is to let things be. Leave them alone so that you can calm down. Wait at least 15 minutes before trying again.
Before starting again, take some long, deep breaths. You should maintain a calm composure throughout. If they sense you’re frustrated or angry, they can pick-up your emotions and become irritated as well. When that happens, they’re less likely to cooperate.
If you’re looking for a medication management app to help you take care of your loved one with dementia, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.