This is probably one of the stressful situations that a live-in carer will face – and it happened day after day, sometimes with the same arguments and objections. Particularly with clients who suffer from Dementia, taking medication can become a daily nightmare for both you and your client.

Refusal to take medication can be any number of reasons, from confused and afraid to angry because they don’t seem to be in control anymore. Either way, we are faced with a client who adamantly shuts their mouth and refuses to take medication.

There are some things that are worth trying.

Think calm, calm, calm

Make sure there are not distractions around like loud music, other people talking, the tv on loud. You should also try to stay calm yourself. Take a few deep breaths. Clients can often pick up if we are anxious or frustrated.

Eliminate unnecessary meds

As time goes by your client will need less medication. If you have to give your client a large amount of tablets they will invariably become reluctant to swallow them all. Talk to the doctor and see if any can be eliminated. The doctor will be able to safely eliminate the ones that are not essential to well-being.

Think size

Yes, it does matter. If tablets are too large you client will battle to swallow and may even gag on them. All this will leave them afraid to take the tablet next time you offer it.

It is a good idea to ask the doctor if you can crush tablets and add to foods such as yogurt or puddings. Some tablets can also be prescribed in liquid form and the doctor will be able to change this.

Don’t explain or reason

Keep your sentences short. There is no reason to have a lengthy discussion with a person who has dementia as to the benefits of the tablet. Reasoning with clients with dementia will never work. Rather, use short sentences and be direct. You may be able to simply hand them a tablet and indicate that it should be put into the mouth followed by a drink of water.

Buddy up

It may help if your client sees you taking your own ‘tablet’ while they take theirs. You can hand them their tablet and say that let’s take them together. Even if you only take a multivitamin, to your client if will seem that they are not alone in taking tablets.

Watch for triggers

Seeing a row of tablet bottles may be enough to trigger a negative response in your client. If this is the case, keep the bottles out of sight and bring the tablets one at a time.

Don’t force the issue

Try again in 10 minutes, this may work just fine. Or leave the tablet and walk away (keep an eye that the tablet is not pushed under the cushion.)

Create a fixed routine

People with Dementia often need to have a set routine and are comfortable with this. If you can create a time when you offer tablets every day at the same time, then they may soon come to expect it and be more inclined to concede.

Sometimes right after a meal is the best way as your client is still in ‘eating’ mode. They may simply see the tablet and water as an extension to the meal.

Final thought

If all fails and you simply cannot get your client to take their medication, you need to contact the doctor as soon as possible to see what can be done. While some tablets can be stopped, there are others that are important, and this is for the doctor to decide.

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