Medication For Alzheimers Doesn't Have To Be Hard. Read These 12 Tips
Convincing someone with Alzheimer’s to take timely medications can be really challenging for a variety of reasons.
One of the most common being fear due to a feeling of abandonment (lost) not knowing what they’re asked to do or being confused and unaware or forgetful of their environment.
Whatever may be the reason, it’s surely a tricky task to manage medications for a loved one with special needs.
BrioCare the proactive family caregiving app is going to share a few invaluable tips at effective caregiving and tackling this situation with ease.
With Alzheimer’s comes frustration, some loved ones may suffer occasional agitation which can, in turn, make them more hesitant and distant. Resistance to medications, general anger, and grumpiness follows.
There are several ways this can be dealt with less stress and more cooperative behavior with these 12 great tips for caring for your loved ones with Alzheimer’s.
Tip 1. A congenial environment
Creating a friendly soothing atmosphere can encourage your elders to cooperate. Avoiding loud TV or too much sound might be a good option. Try to keep yourself calm and patient. Displaying haste, irritation, anger or frustration can make situations worse.
Always remember to be polite and gentle.
Tip 2. Staying alert of adverse reactions
Most medications can have side effects and such associations can make your elders resist medications even more. Try to figure out if a medication is causing side effects such as nausea, stomach ache, or dizziness.
Talk to the doctor for substitutes or figure out if your loved one is suffering from something else and are unable to articulate. Some examples can be a lingering toothache or gum problems or ill-fitting dentures, etc.
Tip 3 Discard unnecessary medications
There might be a possible chance of overburdened medication doses. Many elders take too many medications. Timely doctor visits can help them get their prescriptions checked and reduce unwanted or unnecessary medications. Fewer medications can mean less hassle and fewer side effects.
So keep their prescriptions up-to-date with regular doctor appointments or calls.
Tip 4 Make it easy for your elders
Swallowing issues can be a lingering problem with many elders especially with Alzheimer’s.
Trying to shift to a liquid or tonic medication substitute or crushing hard to swallow pills may be an option.
But be sure to advocate a registered doctor’s advice as all medications cannot be substituted or crushed, doing so without any guidance can render the medication ineffective or even harmful in some cases.
Tip 5 Adults with Alzheimer’s need effective communication
Dealing with Alzheimer’s needs effective communication as explanations won’t be fruitful in most cases.
Trying to be discreet and using short commands can work best. Sometimes even gesturing them to put their medication in their mouth can simply do the trick without any verbal need to talk about it.
Tip 6 Distressing phobias for dementia patients
A lot of unseen signs might trigger fear or phobias in someone with Alzheimer’s. It’s important to figure out triggers and avoid them, common phobias are associated with seeing filled medicine bottles, seeing a lot of pills can overwhelm many elders. If that’s the case, try to keep them out of sight or give them one medication at a time.
Tip 7 Friendly medication reminders
Taking medicines together can make someone with Alzheimer’s feel more relaxed and reliable.
Building friendly bonds and practicing daily habits together can help them gain overall confidence about things. Take your medications or supplements along with them to make it a bonding experience.
Tip 8 Never force, practice patience.
Sometimes someone with Alzheimer’s can be impossible to convince, if that happens wait it out, don’t ever try to force medications as it may build negative cognitive associations. Try to be patient and calm down.
Repeat the process after some time to allow your loved ones to come to terms with taking their medicines.
Tip 9 Right time for medication
Alzheimer’s often comes with good and bad mood swings, and they generally come and go throughout the course of a day.
Figuring out the right timing can do wonders, as convincing someone to take medications when they aren’t in a good mood won’t be fruitful.
So if your loved one has sundown issues, avoid afternoon or evening for medication time unless prescribed specifically by a doctor.
Figure out their best moods and try timing medications during that time of the day. Always consult a doctor before switching or altering medication timings to make sure you’re doing it right!
Tip 10 Practice to maintain a daily routine
Maintaining a daily routine can increase positive behaviors and obedience to taking medications on time.
Try to maintain regular timings, the same place like at the bedside or their favorite sitting chair, try to use the same glass or mug for water to build cognitive associations.
After meal medication time is best as the willingness to eat continues to post a meal, what’s referred to as eating mode.
Tip 11 Offer treats for success
Everyone loves a treat.
Offering tiny rewards on taking medication can encourage the habit and ease their behavior. Try offering a bar of chocolate or gummy bear on successfully taking medications.
It might remove the bitter aftertaste of medicines and make them feel loved and at home too. It also builds a positive response reaction to taking medications over time.
Tip 12 Use BrioCare medication reminders
BrioCare the smart voice care app powered with Alexa for seniors can make your caregiving tasks a lot easier especially for loved ones with Alzheimer’s.
It can set timely reminders and voice prompts to encourage dementia elders to drink water, take medications on time, or schedule their next doctor appointment.
It has fun memory and cognitive games too that improve overall mental health and functioning. It can provide a world of relaxation and active engagement to loved ones suffering from Alzheimer related depression, loneliness, or abandonment.
So go ahead gift your loved ones BrioCare, the best family caregiving app to show that you care.
