Caring for your elderly loved one with Alzheimer’s has a lot of moving parts. There are daily care tasks that she might need help with, mobility issues, cognitive struggles, and so much more.
Medication Management Keeps Your Senior Safe
One area that can become a struggle for both the patient and the caregiver is medication management, especially if your loved one has multiple health conditions that require medications to manage their symptoms and progression. Staying on top of proper medication dosing will keep your loved one safe and prevent medication-related problems.
Six Tips for Making Managing Your Loved One’s Medications Easier
- Getting a pill dispenser is an easy first step toward managing medications. It can help you and any memory care staff to know if your loved one has taken her medication for the day. Because your loved one may be confused about which day of the week it is and could inadvertently take tomorrow’s pill today, keep the pill dispenser in a safe place that can only be accessed by caregivers.
- Create a routine for medications. If your loved one has several varying instructions with medications (one must be taken immediately with an empty stomach and one must be taken with food), develop two routines for the different medication times. A routine will help your loved one to expect the medication and be more compliant about taking it.
- When presenting medication, use clear and concise explanations and instructions. Saying something such as “I’m placing your blood pressure pill in your hand. Now, here is a glass of water. Put the pill in your mouth and drink some water.” Even if you know your loved one struggles with this step, don’t start with any negative talk such as “I know you hate this…” Keep it straightforward and upbeat.
- Don’t force any medications. Take a short break and try again in five minutes. Give both of you a chance to reset and try again.
- If swallowing becomes a problem, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other available distribution options or if it’s safe to crush it into food. Don’t change how you give it to your loved one without talking to her doctor first.
- Offer a reward. Remind your loved one what she gets to do once she takes her medication. Perhaps it’s going and having breakfast or maybe it’s a stroll outside or listening to some music. Knowing the reward might help your loved one to comply more quickly.
Keeping medications safely stored
Remember to always keep medications stored in a place where your loved one cannot access them on her own. It might mean needing a locked cabinet or a locked fridge (if her medications require refrigeration). If medications expire, throw them out right away.
Memory Care Providers Can Help with Medication Management
If managing medications seems daunting, you might consider having someone who provides professional memory care take over dispensing medication to your loved one. They can also assist with reminders to you about refills that are needed or if a medication is expired. Another possible benefit is that your loved one might feel more comfortable taking medications from a memory care professional instead of a family member.
If you or an aging loved one are considering memory care in Summerlin South, NV, please contact the caring staff at Golden Brook today. Call (702) 931-0055
Golden Brook Residential Care Home is an assisted living facility located in Henderson, Nevada. The facility offers a variety of services to seniors who need assistance with their activities of daily living. These services include 24/7 care, medication management, meal preparation, laundry, housekeeping, and much more. The facility also offers activities such as bingo, exercise classes, and gardening to promote social interaction among residents. Overall, Golden Brook Residential Care Home provides a safe and comfortable environment for seniors who need assistance but still want to maintain their independence.
Our caregivers and staff members treat our clients, residents, and their families with the utmost respect. Our focus is to provide the highest quality of care and service with compassion and dignity.
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