Giving medications to Alzheimer’s

Giving medications to Alzheimer’s

Pill Reminder Box
Med-Q Pill Reminder Box with Alarms and Timer

[cherry_sharing networks=”facebook,googleplus,pinterest,stumbleupon,reddit,twitter,linkedin,tumblr” style=”only-logos”]

Giving medications to Alzheimer’s or dementia sufferers

medications to alzheimer's or dementia
 medications to alzheimer’s or dementia

Med-Q hears from caregivers about the difficulties of Giving medications to Alzheimer’s or dementia sufferers . The same applies for other kinds of dementia. “When I give Dad his meds, he gets very mad. For example, we hear, “NO,NO,NO” . Med-Q medication Pill Box Reminder system is asked , “What is the best way to deal with this challenge”. To sum up, it is critical for life saving medications are taken as prescribed by the health care professional. Finally, caregivers need all the help they can get for giving medications to someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia .

First, if confronted by this situation, it is important to remember that the behaviors of people with Alzheimer’s disease think differently. For example, acting out is actually attempts to communicate. Furthermore, try to look at the situation from the patients view point. In fact, this is useful in controlling the bad behavior. To sum up, like for ways to focus on finding a solution to giving medications to Alzheimer’s or dementia sufferers .

Programmable Pill Dispenser for Elderly
Smart pill box for giving medications

Helpful Tips for Giving medications to Alzheimer’s sufferers

First of all, it is difficult to get a senior with Alzheimer’s to take medication properly. Seniors suffer from Age Induced medication Mistakes (AIMM’s). This is a normal part of the aging process. For many, an old fashion pill box does the job. However, most need a smart pill reminder with alarms and timer. For example, the Med-Q Smart pill reminder box. Again, AIMM’s should not be confused with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Giving medications to someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia tips

Smart Pill Box with Alarm and Timer
Med-Q Medication Reminder, Medicine Box, Pill Box

First, provide a calm, stable environment. Seniors suffering with Alzheimer’s requires needs you to provide it.  Again, at medication time, be sure there is a calm, quiet environment through out the entire home. For example, soft music and no TV. Furthermore, caregiver need to make certain they are also feeling calm.

Giving medications to Alzheimer’s or dementia sufferers is no easy task. First, why do people resist medications? To illustrate, this can be a response to feeling rushed as well as scared. Another example, being afraid, or confused about what is being done. Hence, the feeling of ” loss of control” will cause a triggered resistance, leading to anger.

Med-Q recommend that the caregiver trd to break the process down into steps.

For example, when the smart pill reminder box starts to flash, let it be know that it is also going to beep.

Gives lots of reassurance and speak calmly. Again, you are taking what needs to be done. Example, it’s time to take your blood pressure pills now. Give them time to process the new info.. Any part of the process they can participate in should be encouraged. To illustrate, have them press the next alert button on the pill box reminder. Perhaps you will need to pour the water into the glass, but they can pick the pill up from the Pill Box reminder with alarm and put it in their own mouth.

Doctors and pharmacist are valuable consultants for the caregiver

Prevent Resistant behavior for giving medications to Alzheimer’s or dementia sufferers

Some with Alzheimer’s get distressed at the sight of pill reminder box. Are there a lot of pills? For example, it may seem to be an overwhelming sight? If so, take the pills out of the pill box reminder box at pill time. Furthermore, leave the prescription bottles hidden away.. Some caregivers obtain success with offering up only one pill at a time.

If you think y giving of medications at a different time of day will help, consult with these two professionals. If, and only if, the say yes, dispense the meds at these times. To illustrate, the caregiver will know best about the patient’s best time of day. Finally, the doctor and pharmacist must always be consulted about any changes in dosages, times, etc. These help with simplifying giving medications to Alzheimer’s or dementia sufferers

Tips for giving medications to someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia

Some pills are too large and hard to swallow

First, talk to the doctor physician or pharmacist. If OKed, if possible, crush the pills and mix the into some king of food stuff. For example, try applesauce as well as yogurt. Remember, many prescription medications are not made to be crushed. Again, always consult with the doctor or pharmacist. Finally, many medications come in a liquid form. Check with the physician to see if this is an option.

If possible, take your medications together to make it fun

Be prepared. When all else fails, and it sometimes will, set everything aside for a few minutes. Hence, the need to give a little time so every one can calm down. Subsequently, return to the pill reminder box with alarms in 5-10 minutes. Keep in mind, behaviors will change over time. Hence, what works today, may not work tomorrow.

How to Care for the Caregiver

Caregiver know the rewards and the burdens of being a family caregiver.  Not enough can be said for giving yourself the support and respite you need to successfully continue on this journey as a caregiver.  Use modern tool . For example, a smart pill box reminder with alarms for medication management. Another example, auto door locks to prevent Alzheimer’s wandering.

First, join a local caregiver’s support group. Second, meet regularly with other caregivers for the much needed mutual support. Furthermore, a great place to get and share tips, ideas and resources for care giving.  It will remind you that you have others around you who understand your role as a caregiver.

Finally, Caregivers must do something to rejuvenate.  

It is vital to well being, both physically and mentally. The same applies to the loved one with Alzheimer’s. To sum up, a provocative stance with Giving medications to Alzheimer’s or dementia sufferers makes the caregiver’s life easier.

Resources:

For More Medication Management Information Visit:

If you can’t remember whether you took your medication, what do you do?

What happens if you don’t remember if you took your medications?  When one is not sure if you took a pill, never, ever just take another dose yet. What could happen if you double dose?  If someone ingests an additional dose, the consequences can be deadly. In fact, an extra dose can raise the risk of harmful effects. Check your pill organizer, count the remaining pills in the bottle, or review the instructions that came with your prescription to find specific guidance. 

doctorHealth care profsionals are in agreement, “For most medications, it is safer to accidentally miss a single dose than to double dose” . Keep in mind that the pill/dosing guidelines vary drastically depending on the medication.  For example, it is different for  blood thinners or something like birth control.), it is always best to double-check with a professional.  If in doubt, call the local pharmacy you got the prescription filled.  Also, call e the America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 .  This can help if you are concerned about over dosing. 

For further guidance, consult I can’t remember whether I took my medication, what do I do? on Medical News Today. To help prevent confusion in the future, you can implement some 9 Simple Strategies for Remembering To Take Your Medication or read the Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Medication guide on WebMD.
 
If you are missing doses consistently, a few strategies can help get your routine back on track:
  • Use a weekly pillbox: These old fashion pill holders can be useful.   They show a quick visual cue to show which days  doses have been taken.
  • Use a Digital Pill Reminder: Medication reminders, like the Med-Q pill Box. have flashing guides.  These alarmed reminders help preventing over dosing. 
  • Try to do Habit stacking: Match up your daily pill-taking with a non-negotiable daily habit.  For example, your first cup of coffee or brushing yourhair.
  • Set electronic reminders: Use persistent reminder apps, alarm clocks, or simple smart phone alarm reminders.

What to do if Unsure?

The worry about over doing is real.  When unsure whether the dose has been taken, the best thing to do is speak with your health care provider or even your pharmacist. They will  advise you on the best course of action based on ythe specific medication. that is over dosed.

pill box for seniors

If you take oral tablets or capsules, you can count how many pills you have left. If you know when you started taking the pills out of that prescription bottle, this could help you determine whether you’ve taken your dose for that day.

Sometimes, when you haven’t taken your medication, there may still be time to take that dose. However, this could depend on the drug and dosing schedule.

Although in some cases, if it’s almost time to take your next dose, your doctor may recommend skipping the missed dose and taking your next dose at its regular time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose as doing so could raise your risk of side effects.

What happens if you accidentally take your medication twice?

Do not take more of a drug than your doctor prescribes. While serious side effects may be rare, for some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose. Some of the most dangerous medications to double-dose include:

  • heart maintenece medications
  • ADHD drugs, for example “Adderall”
  • medications for Type 1 Diabetes
  • prescription narcotic pain pills
  • psychiatric medications , for example “Wellbutrin.”

If you have any doubt, act quickly. 

Fist of all, contact your doctor right away.  Let them know you may have accidentally taken two doses or three doses of your daily medication. They will offer up advice.  The Healthcare profesional can often advise of what steps to take.  Also, they will let you know about symptoms to watch out for.

pill dispenser
America's #1 Pill Dispenser with Triple Alarms
Scroll to Top