That is always a tough one. Give the option of now or in 10 minutes, give a choice of the drink to take the medication with or if there is a problem with swallowing, put the meds in pudding which makes it go down easier. Never argue, that usually makes things worse. You can always go back in 15-30 minutes and give a reminder. Don't push as that generally makes people want to stand their ground. We all have the right to refuse medications, however I understand their importance. Giving people a choice makes them feel like they still have some control. good luck.
I know it's hard, but if they are stubborn like my father, you may nede to let them do what they feel is best for them at the time. I know with my father he doesn't take care of himself like I think he should (i.e. eating, drinking water, etc) but if he has chosen to get by without life sustaining methods that I feel he needs, I have to step back and just try to encourage him to take care of himself. After that, I have to believe that there is a purpose to everything and I can only do so much.
Sometimes it is the sheer number of pills that makes someone balk. After all, they don't think they are sick, so why all the pills?
When that seems to be the problem, I just remove the less important ones for a couple of days and then gradually reintroduce them.
Getting MIL to drink enough water or juice to get them down seems to be our main battle. She just sips and would probably take them dry if she could manage that. Sometimes she just wants to chew them. Anyone have a solution for that??
I agree, I really hate taking mine, but I know without what would happen. It's even more difficult to take meds when you have that little sick to my stomach feeling. what ever works-do it.
This will not work with people who cannot be reasoned with but with those who can be sometimes it works to ask them what took place the last time they stopped taking their medicine.
My parents weren't really taking all their meds so I made large print (size 16 font) medication checklist, one per week, top of page has morning meds all listed, then mid-day, dinnertime, and evening, also their daily BP and a space to write down, any health problems that day? It has really helped them focus, and feel perhaps like they are back at work or maybe school, cause they know I am going to check it. And they can check each other's. One time I brougnt these in to doctor office and it was very helpful-mom felt like she was very impressive to the doctor.
One of the first questions I have to ask is why is s/he refusing the medications?
Is this person living alone? Are they 'forgetting' or refusing?
How old is this person?
My thoughts are some of these pills are HUGE. Many tell you not to crush. I've seen in rehab with my mom they just crush them anyway and/or come in liquid form that they can just hide in the drinks, applesauce, yogurt, whatever they love to eat. Many of the meds just don't work as they are SUPPOSED to work when given this way but some is better than none in my opinion and perhaps the doctor can advise you of another medication to take that would work crushed.
When that seems to be the problem, I just remove the less important ones for a couple of days and then gradually reintroduce them.
Getting MIL to drink enough water or juice to get them down seems to be our main battle. She just sips and would probably take them dry if she could manage that. Sometimes she just wants to chew them. Anyone have a solution for that??
Is this person living alone? Are they 'forgetting' or refusing?
How old is this person?
My thoughts are some of these pills are HUGE. Many tell you not to crush. I've seen in rehab with my mom they just crush them anyway and/or come in liquid form that they can just hide in the drinks, applesauce, yogurt, whatever they love to eat. Many of the meds just don't work as they are SUPPOSED to work when given this way but some is better than none in my opinion and perhaps the doctor can advise you of another medication to take that would work crushed.