5 Solutions when people with dementia refuse to take medication

Taking medication is one of the daily routines that people with dementia must do. Medication helps manage the condition so that it doesn't get worse. However, many people with dementia refuse to take medication. The reasons are various, ranging from being bored because you have to drink it every day, drugs that are difficult to swallow, to nausea that often appears after taking medication. However, as a carer you should not give up. Here are things you can do when people with dementia refuse to take medication.

Dementia patients refuse to take medication? This is what needs to be done

1. Find the best time

Everyone is usually in a more stable mood at certain times. Well, as the person who cares for him, you know very well when the best time is. It is at this time that you can give him the medicine that needs to be taken.

If necessary, consult your doctor and pharmacist to adjust the time you take the drug to his mood. Then, make a new medication schedule as part of their daily routine.

2. Do it casually without rushing

Coercion and the urge to take medication immediately can provoke anger and make dementia patients refuse to take medication. For that, try to make the atmosphere more pleasant taking medicine. You can put on relaxing music that can help improve mood .

Then, don't rush it. Let your loved one take the medicine in their own way. If he doesn't want to be helped then you don't have to force him to help. However, you can provide guidance and stay by his side to provide assistance when needed.

3. Looking for alternatives to the frequency, method of taking, and the amount of medicine

If over time your loved one refuses to take medication, try asking why. If the problem is boredom and tired of drinking it, you can consult a doctor and pharmacist. Ask if there are other alternative medicines that are equivalent and can be taken less frequently.

Also, if your loved one refuses to take the medication because of difficulty swallowing the pill, ask your doctor if it is in a liquid form. Also ask if you can crush the medicine in pill or tablet form to make it easier to take.

Then you can also consult a doctor and ask if there is a drug that can be reduced or no longer needed. This is so that there are not too many drugs consumed, which will make people with dementia even more frustrated when it is time to take the medication.

4. Make a simple explanation

People with dementia sometimes refuse to take medication because they do not understand or forget what they are taking medicine for. So, your job is to provide a simple explanation that is brief and clear.

Avoid using words like, "Do you remember…?" when trying to explain. This can frustrate them for not being able to remember them and even lead to being accused of making this up.

Just say, "This drug is used to reduce headaches. You like headaches, right? That's why this medicine must be taken, huh."

5. Stay calm

If your loved one is constantly refusing your medication, try not to get angry or force it too hard. This can only lead to more fear and more resistance.

As a caring person, you must have extra patience. Especially if he is a parent. You have to remember that as a child, parents also gave unlimited patience in caring for their children.

Try to explain slowly about the consequences that can occur if this medicine is not taken. Then tell him that you asked him to take medicine because you love him and want him to stay healthy.

So, don't give up. Try applying the tips above to keep your loved ones healthy and have a better quality of life.