Follow
Share
Read More
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
You are trying to give meds to a person with a terminal illness. Maybe he knows more than you. Don't lose sleep over this.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Is he taking LOTS of pills? Address that first. I'd talk with his doctor about eliminating any drugs that aren't alleviating discomfort or controlling behavior or mood. Like a statin, for example. You have to be proactive about this. A doctor generally won't say "there's really no point to this drug anymore so I'm taking him off of it." Folks with dementia wind up on a dozen different drugs (interacting wildly).
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Is it possible to hide the medication in something? It might be possible to get the medication formulated as a liquid, or open a capsule and mix it in pudding or applesauce. Speak with his doctor.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I bought a pill crusher (an expensive one, because my arthritic hands couldn't do the cheapie kind). It is called "Silent Knight." You put the pills in a little plastic bag that comes with the machine, push down on the handle and it crushes the pill to a powder. I mix it with applesauce or yogurt and give it to him. He was having trouble swallowing the pills and this works so much better! I found it on the internet!
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Try again in an hour or so. Unless his pills are critical, if he misses doses now and then, it's probably no big deal.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Do you know the reason why he won't take them? Is it because he doesn't think he is sick He doesn't like he way they make him feel? Is he being stubborn? Does he have a hard time swallowing them? Which pills? Is he on anti-psychotics as part of his regimen? If so, some anti-psychotic meds are available in monthly injections.... I think there is one now in a three month injection. Perfect for non-compliance. Any others maybe you can mix with food but you better check with the doctor or pharmacist first because that can be a problem depending on what it is.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Whenever my dad refuses, my mom will just wait a little while, then try again. He has usually forgotten that he was refusing to take them by then. Sometimes, I will comment on how big the pills are (or how many there are) and act impressed that he can swallow them. Then, like a small child would, he will quickly take them just to show that he can swallow them. ;)
Helpful Answer (6)
Report

At my Mom's nursing home, they had the pill crusher and put them in applesauce. Worked every time! We used to tell my Mom it was aspirin so she wouldn't have any pain, that helped sometimes. Also, some Alzheimer's meds can be with a patch.
Helpful Answer (6)
Report

We checked with my mom's dr and was advised we could use a pill grinder and mash up the pills and mix with yogurt applesauce or some other food that she would eat, wallla no more med problems
Helpful Answer (5)
Report

Agree with Jeanne. Find out which are the most important ones and try and get them down first. Check with your pharmacist if there is a liquid form of anything and have dr order that. Also ask the paharmacist what can and can not be crushed and try that. id there a time of day when he is more co operative for example in the evening. Traditionally once a day pills are given in the morning but most can be switched to evening for example B/P meds work just as well at night. Don''t give diuretics later than mid day though. A talk with the pharmacist would be good just choose a time when he is not busy.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Actually, I have the same question and the same problem. My Mom with dementia does not want to take her meds because she thinks she dont need them, or she says that she has already taken them. The reason why is not the issue...the issue is HOW do I get her to take her meds?
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Do you know why he refuses them? Are they difficult to swallow? Is he paranoid about them being poisoned? Does he think he is fine and he doesn't need pills?

Persons with dementia can refuse pills for lots of different reasons. It isn't always possible to find the reason out, but it can be helpful if you know what the issue is.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

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