It can be difficult to convince many elderly to take their medication. They may refuse to do so on principle, having never taken medication in their lives and being wary to start now. Those with Alzheimer’s or dementia may be suspicious of the medication that is being offered to them. Yet others may see medication as an imposition on their independence and refuse it as a way of maintaining their autonomy. How does senior living in Englewood, FL help the elderly who refuse to take medication? A professional and friendly team with years of experience often tailors their approaches and focuses on the most critical medications first.
Focusing on Critical Medication
Anyone with experience in assisted living communities knows that it’s important to pick their battles. If medication has not been specifically recommended by a doctor, it is often deemed as not critical. In fact, certain vitamins and supplements might even reduce the effectiveness of other medications, or cause negative interactions with them. Instead, team members at assisted living communities will focus on prescribed medications that are essential for the health and well-being of their residents.
Get a Doctor’s Explanation
Certain residents may either not understand or choose not to believe that not taking their medication can lead to serious consequences. In such cases, having a healthcare professional explain to them the importance of taking their medication regularly can often prompt them to be diligent about doing so. While it can be frustrating, your loved one may respond better to figures with medical authority than to their own family members. The health programs available in assisted living communities can often prove helpful in this regard.
Unpleasant Side Effects
Your loved one may be refusing their medication because of side effects such as nausea, upset stomach, or dizziness. At assisted living communities, personalized care approaches ensure that residents’ well-being is always taken care of. If your loved one is feeling ill because of certain medications in their prescription, our team members will take note of it and discuss alternatives with a healthcare professional.
Having the Right Approach
Team members at assisted living communities have seen it all. When a resident refuses to take medication, they understand that there is often a deeper fear or emotion behind that refusal. They are thus well equipped to handle such situations with care and compassion. Often, they will try to get to the root of why a resident is refusing to take their medication and work with them to find a solution.
Keeping Positive
Part of dealing with a resident who refuses to take medication is keeping a positive attitude. Once again, this is something that is easier with practice. Approaching the situation with negativity – even if only unconsciously – can cause issues, especially if a resident has dementia. Residents who sense that negativity may become even more resistant to taking their medication. Professional team members thus try to ensure that everyone in this situation keeps positive. If you are helping your loved one administer their medication and find the situation to be fraught, take a minute to breathe deeply and collect yourself before continuing.
