Follow
Share

My 86 yr old mother has early stage dementia, and is currently aging at home (as recommended by her geriatrician). We fill her medication box weekly, various meds taken 4 times throughout the day. Recently, she's forgotten doses, but just shrugs it off. Looking for suggestions. She has hearing issues (refuses hearing aids), so anything with an alarm or bell are pointless. She also loses focus incredibly fast and cannot concentrate at this stage. She has a chart showing her when to take the meds, but it has just become part of her daily landscape and within a few days she no longer "sees" it. Although we have a team in place and someone checks on her daily, it's not for a long enough period of time to be sure the meds get taken in a timely fashion. Short of calling her 4 times daily to remind her, we are at a loss. Any/all suggestions welcome! Thank you so much!

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
I would suggest hiring someone to go in four times a day to give her meds
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

When my MIL was at this stage she lived only 6 miles away but we worked FT, had kids in school, etc. so I would call her to walk her through taking the meds. Only to go to her house and find the half glass of water and pills scattered all over the kitchen table. I counted the pills to be sure.

Like the other have said, it is time for management. You can no longer be trusted to give you an accurate answer (even though she may think it is accurate). And yes, over- or under-dosing can be dangerous.

FYI my MIL also couldn't remember if she ate. It turns out she wasn't but was telling me -- in detail -- that she did. She nearly fainted in our presence because she hadn't been eating. Food rotting in her fridge. She had forgotten how to use the microwave and oven and toaster. Your mom should only "age in place" if she an afford enough help or go into AF or MC.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter