Medication

There are common problems that you may experience – there may be some hints here

As a hospital pharmacist with over 40 years experience you assume that medication that is prescribed is taken as the prescriber wishes. It is only when you are affected by dementia that you realise that there are factors that make this a little more difficult than you expect. Seek help and advice from others.

• Always ensure that medication prescribed by the Doctor or Nurse Prescriber is taken as advised.
• If you are having difficulty in getting the person that you care for to take their medicines seek advice from the Doctor, Nurse Prescriber, Key Worker, Community or Practice Pharmacist.
• If you are having problems giving medication at a certain time of the day (if they are more confused at a particular time of day) it may be possible to take the medication at a more appropriate time of day – discuss this with a healthcare professional.
• They may get confused when tablets are handed to them to pop in their mouth – if this is the case, consider putting the tablets on a spoon and putting it near their mouth, they will often take it this way without any issue – thinking it is food etc.
• If they are having problems swallowing tablets – ask whether there is an alternative form of the medication.
• If they are having problem taking pain killers – such as paracetamol or ibuprofen – consider getting the suspensions – and possibly administer using an oral syringe.