Great information. It's also important to talk to the doctor to make sure all of those medications really are necessary, as overmedication can contribute to additional problems for older adults.

Alzstore
An medication despenser that is locked and only one dose exposed at a time. Worth the money. Alarm and flashing light is a must.

Yes, pill-taking can be a problem for patients older than 75. The daily pillbox helps, ( MTWRFSaS) but spacing the pills is still the most important aspect of this problem, and be sure to get them all in by bedtime. Anything that the pt. can get by without, the better, such as Celebrex.

Thank you to alzcaregiver. My mother was in an AL for 8 months and recently had 2 falls within a 3 day period. She ended up breaking her back during the 2nd fall, was in the hospital for 4 days, and is now in a rehab/conv. We moved her out of the AL because, though we thought she did okay in the beginning, she was not doing so well this past week and we felt she needed closer supervision. We found that even though the rehab/conv is more expensive, mom receives more personal attention and we may just keep her there for awhile--and make her stay an indefinite one. When I checked mom out of the AL I received the ziploc of meds. As I going through her them, I noticed an increase in dosage from 150mg to 300mg on her Welbutrin, looked at her Aricept bottle and on both pill bottles there is a caution: may cause dizziness. Yesterday, during one of mom's lucid moments, she recalled that she felt dizzy before both of her falls; something she could not remember when they happened. Her new doctor is tapering her completely off of Welbutrin and she is on 150 mg, and he eventually will take her off of the Aricept as well. We are finding that the side effects are not worth the other advantages to the drugs. Sometimes a 1/2 cup of coffee every so often can be just as effective as far as her lucidity.

We really need to be on top of it as far as our care for our loved ones. We had some great workers at her AL except for a couple during the night shift. They did/did not do some things and we began to distrust their words and their actions. It only takes a couple of neglectful workers to have an unsafe living situation.

I would advise those with people in AL's to get to know their caregivers, come at various times during the day, and be sure to speak up and document any concerns. Be sure you follow up when voicing a concern to be sure it has been resolved; some employees may nod their heads and smile and look concerned when there is an issue, but that is as far as things get. It is good to follow-up--these are our loved ones. If we cannot be their advocates in these situations--who can?

To delay or prevent Dementia, patients should take their pills ONE AT A TME and spaced properly. Do not let your pt swallow a handful of pills, even though the physician may tell you it's alright. The only pill that may be combined with just about anything is Vitamin C.

Don't forget just plain old stubborness. My Dad would resist taking his pills just because he knew I wanted him to. Thank goodness he is in assisted living now, and they don't put up with such nonsense.

Thanks to all for the info.

I'd say a top problem is too many drugs for seniors, one piled on top of other. Many drugs alone or in combo can cause dementia symptoms and/or sleepiness. Work with your doctor to try a drug free test. Some need to be stopped gradually, tapered off. Fast acting pills I'm told are generally better for seniors as there is not as much residue built up. You may find that the senior actually regains functioning and has some memory restored. I saw some great results tossing out drugs with My mom. The protocol for eliminating drugs is called Beers Criteria. It is easy to find on the internet.

For swallowing issues...sometimes taking pills with a thicker liquid helps them go down easier, we use Boost. Also use a new product saw at CVS called Slide...fruit flavored, glycerin based. 3 or 4 sprays into the mouth, then pills and water. Works for my Mom.