It can be very frustrating when your elderly loved one meets attempts to care for him or her with resistance and even hostility. An aging parent’s habitual refusal to take medication can seem like an impossible obstacle to overcome, but there are a few simple ways to calmly approach the situation and turn around frustrating behaviors. Here’s some advice for when your loved one refuses medication.
Think about Why They Don’t Want to Take the Medication
Is the medicine making your loved one gag? If it’s difficult to swallow, tastes bad, or makes your parent nauseated, consult a physician to find out if there’s an alternative form of the medication. If there isn’t an alternative way to take the medicine, there may be a substitute medication that could be prescribed, or it may be permissible to mix the medication with food or a beverage.
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Address Anxiety about the Medicine
Does your loved one understand why he or she is taking the medication and what the benefits are? Is your parent concerned about the cost of the medication and how to continue paying for it? Take the time to thoroughly explain why the medicine is necessary and how it will be paid for. Involve the physician if necessary.
Consider Confusion or Vision Problems
Is your loved one purposely not taking medicine, or is he or she unclear about when and how to take it? Can your parent clearly read the label and see the pill? If there’s any confusion at all, take charge and post a medication schedule in a visible spot so everyone, including your loved one and any caregivers, are on the same page about the prescription schedule and details. This also proves helpful for avoiding dangerous medication overlaps or interactions.
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Evaluate Overall Wellbeing
If your loved one isn’t getting adequate rest, all activities during waking hours may be disruptive. Ensure your loved one has a fixed sleep schedule, and don’t underestimate the difference regular high-quality sleep can have on all daytime activities, including taking medications. Overall, remain calm, and remember you’re your loved one’s best advocate. Pay attention to details and changes, and let your parent know you’re his or her diligent care partner.
For seniors who want to stay healthy, it’s important that they take their medications as prescribed by their physicians. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading Tucson home care service agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Home Care Assistance at (520) 276-6555 today.