Published: 15 February 2021
When it comes to Dementia one of the frequent issues we at Wrist-Assured hear about from both carers and family is of the struggle to get a person to take their medication. If we need medication, we know it is for a good reason and we take it, but this is often not the way with a person who has Dementia.
As a carer we just want them to take their meds, they need them, so there can be no discussion. When the person flat out refuses to take them or spits them out, this can lead to a battle ground situation which just keeps escalating on a daily rinse and repeat cycle.
Trying to find out why or even if there is a reason can be a trying process but could help you to get to the root of the problem. Maybe they are having trouble swallowing the medication as it is too big or maybe it tastes horrible to them. There are lots of articles giving tips and tricks to help, advising routine, patience, or the crushing of pills (check first with the Doctor as not all medication may be crushed), but whether there is an actual reason or no reason at all the pure frustration this causes can take over our day, or week, our lives.
Trying not to get angry or letting this escalate is easier said than done. What we at Wrist-Assured can tell you is that you are not a bad person. You do not love them any less. Sometimes looking after a person with Dementia, especially someone you love can tear you apart, leave you feeling a failure and fill you with guilt especially when it comes to something which should be so simple – taking medication. There are no easy answers, but the main thing to remember is if you are going through this, you are not alone.
Get professional advice on this issue from their Doctor, Hospital, or other Health Care professionals but we at Wrist-Assured would also strongly recommend joining a support group! There are different ones you can join, some online and when Covid-19 is over, some in person. Just being able to vent helps a lot especially if this is in a support group where others have gone through or are going through the same thing as you. When you are up at 3 am because your mum has decided it is time to get up, it can be such a relief to go online and chat, vent, ask for advice or just read other people’s stories so you know you are not alone.
Some useful Support information links:
https://alzheimer.ie/service/dementia-adviser/ - The Alzheimer Society of Ireland phone support from Dementia Advisors. There is also Live Chat available using the same link – Monday to Friday 10 – 11am & 3 -5pm. Saturday 10 am – 1 pm.
https://familycarers.ie/ - A voluntary organisation for all carers.
https://www.understandtogether.ie/get-support/ A useful list of information and fact sheets
Memory People on Facebook – a private group with more than 23,000 members worldwide. This is a private group so you must ask to join before you can post or read posts from others. Being a private group it means only members of the group can see your comments or posts.
Alzheimers/Dementia Support Ireland on Facebook – also a private group but specifically people in Ireland. Again, as this is a private group it means only members of the group can see your comments or posts.