Mom’s dementia is becoming worse

Mom’s dementia is becoming worse

Mom’s dementia is becoming worseSmart Pill Reminder with Alarm and TimerMed-Q Medication Pill Box with Alarms

Is it time to think about bringing in home caregivers or moving

quiz

Is Mom’s dementia is becoming worse? First, is she making dangerous mistake, For example, double or triple dosing on her prescription medications. There are some ways to prevent a move to assisted living. For example, a pill box with alarms designed for Mom’s dementia issues.

Mom is still living independently. We use to leave notes around her apartment to remind her to take her pills. Those notes worked for a little while. With Med-Q, Mom was able to remember to take all her pills. This one issue, kept her at home. To sum up, there are many new technological devices that can keep dementia suffers independent longer.

Shawn C

We tried a new kind of electronic pill reminder

We have had this dilemma with Dad. Now it is getting worse. He cannot remember when to take them. In addition, he either forgets or takes double doses. We used a smart pill organizer with alarms for her medications.. It stopped him from, dropping some, losing some as well as setting them down.

Mark T
caregiver

Some seniors are past the stage where a smart pill box with alarms is helpful. For example Marks, dad now holds onto the pills and the pill box all day long. Mark said, “We caught her rummaging through the medication bottles. However, Dad is in denial that he has any cognitive issues, Yet, she still insists that he does everything herself. Again, he claims that he never needs help. To sum up, he claims, “I never forget anything”.

Think about, read and researched Mom’s dementia for help

The problem here, Mom is combative. She actually broke down my brother’s upstairs apartment door. The reason, she was trying to get her pill box filled with medicines. We have considered giving her bottles with placebos to keep her happy. Many others have experienced difficulties like this. It is fairly common. We put a calendar on her nightstand near the pill box. Then, we told her to “X” out the day after we speak at night. This has seemed to be helpful with Mom’s dementia.

We have tried all kinds of pill boxes, reminder calls, visits from a nurse

caregiver

Finally the nurse got a Med-Q Medication compliance System. The first time the alarm went off, Dad didn’t remember what to do. Hence, she pulled out the batteries too shut off the pill alarm. Obviously, not exactly a medication compliance they they had in mind! However, in a couple of days she learned.First, shut off the alarm. Second. remove the appropriate individual pill box compartment. Third, take the pills in the box.. Fourth, put the box back.

I googled pill dispenser. We got a MED-Q pill dispenser. It is great. I set it once, fill it every other week and it does the rest. She hasn’t missed a pill in months and months.

Technology helps with Mom’s dementia

Another example, Karl has taken charge of her Mom’s medications. First, it resulted in her trying to hit me. Second, we wound up stayed up all night to help her cam down. She put her Mom’s pill box (holding diabetes and blood pressure medicines) on the shelf above the TV. .The pill box seems to have solve the problem for now. I hope things will go smoothly . I

pill box with alarms
Is Mom’s dementia is becoming worse?

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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.

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