You understand how difficult it may be to make sure an older family member with Alzheimer’s disease takes their medicine as directed. Neglecting to renew prescriptions or not taking medicine as directed may have serious health effects.
There are, fortunately, several methods you may ensure that your senior relative is taking their medication exactly as directed by their doctor. Eight methods are provided below to assist elders with Alzheimer’s in remembering to take their medication:
Set Up a Daily Pill Box
Setting up a daily pill box is one of the best strategies to ensure your family member with Alzheimer’s takes their prescription. They will find it less difficult to take the appropriate drugs at the appropriate times and in dosages. The generic pill’s average cost of $19.78 in the generic makes it a reasonably priced option.
Your elderly family member can better manage their medicine if you purchase a big pillbox with distinct compartments for every day of the week or month and labels for each area. Each compartment can carry up to four doses of a single pill. A talking pillbox or timer that tells the user when it’s time to take their medicines would also be something to consider.
Create a Schedule
Another strategy to make sure your family member with Alzheimer’s takes their medicine as prescribed is to establish a daily regimen for them. The patient may find it easier to recall when and how much medication has to be taken each day if the instructions are written and presented understandably.
A visual cue with a picture of the pill container or an alarm that sounds when it’s time for them to take their medicine are two examples of reminders you might want to include in the timetable. They may use it to ensure they stay on task and don’t overlook anything.
Use Visual Cues
Another technique to aid an elderly family member with Alzheimer’s in remembering to take their medication is through visual clues. Consider putting a photo of the pill container wherever others see it, such as on the bathroom mirror or refrigerator. You may also try writing out the directions for taking their prescription in large, clear letters.
You can also think about making a pill chart that shows how frequently they take their medications. It will be simpler for them to remember when, how often, and how much to take. Also, it could provide them confidence that they are according to the doctor’s instructions.
Provide Reminders
Your elderly family member with Alzheimer’s might benefit greatly from reminders to remember to take their prescription. You may set the alarm on their phone or make audio reminders to remind them to take their medication.
You may also think about employing reminder applications that can be set up to notify the user with alerts and messages. It may give you further comfort knowing that your relative is taking their medication as directed.
Establish a Routine
Your family member with Alzheimer’s may remember to take their prescription if you establish a schedule for taking their medications. Try incorporating it into their daily routine, perhaps before they brush their teeth or have breakfast.
You might also want to designate certain periods of the day for taking medicines. They will find it simpler and more likely to remember to take their medications at the appropriate times.
Utilize Technology
Also, technology can assist an elderly member of your family who suffers from Alzheimer’s to remember to take their prescription. They may now track how often they take their medication, be reminded when to take it, and receive alerts if there are any problems.
For instance, many smartphones now come with specialized medication reminder apps that may be configured to deliver daily alerts or reminders. Moreover, these apps may track when and how much medication was used and generate an in-depth report on their pill usage.
Encourage Socialization
Your family member with Alzheimer’s may remember to take their prescription if you promote sociability. Try putting them in touch with others with comparable medical issues who can understand their hardships. They might be able to provide spiritual support or useful guidance as they learn how to manage their drugs.
You may also consider engaging in activities with your relative that need them to take their meds. Everything from taking a stroll or playing a game to reminding them to take their medication should be considered.
Seek Professional Help
Remember to take your older family member’s medicine if you still have problems aiding them; otherwise, it may be time to seek professional assistance. Think about speaking with a physician or nurse practitioner who specializes in elder care and may offer extra guidance on administering drugs to seniors suffering from cognitive impairments.
You could also think about speaking with therapists or dementia-specific support groups. They can assist you in figuring out how to make taking your medications easier and more doable.
Final Thoughts
Although giving medications to senior persons with Alzheimer’s disease might be difficult, you can employ a few techniques to make the process easier. These tips, from setting up reminders and forming routines to utilizing technology and encouraging social interaction, can help simplify medication for your older loved one. Don’t forget to ask for professional help if all else fails.
