My MIL is here with us, bedridden and on hospice. She has been stable, but today the nurse visited and suspects a UTI. We will have to give her the antibiotic 3x/day. Other medicines we can crush and put in her juice. This one, however, can't be done that way. She is a retired RN and has been reluctant to take medicine, period. Also, she doesn't eat pudding or applesauce. Any creative suggestions for getting her to take it? Thanks in advance!
If the symptoms of the UTI are bad enough, she will take the medicine.
I've heard a lot from this forum, that UTI's can cause some horrible behavior issues. Surely MIL knows this.
You say she's on hospice. Is she near end of life? Or is hospice providing long term palliative care? If the goal is for her to remain stable long term, then I can see the need for the antibiotic. Maybe a liquid in her juice?
Otherwise, let it go and let her make her own decisions for her own body!
Or can they give her an injection of antibiotic?
Why put everyone through the 3x/day nonsense in this situation?
(Even as a child, when I was sick, I got an injection of penicillin and would be better within hours. But that was way back when there was more common sense.)
You say she does not eat pudding or applesauce.
How about
Yogurt
Cake
Ice cream (make sure the antibiotic can be taken with dairy, some you have to wait up to 3 hours. And if that is the case with this med pudding would not work anyway)
Mashed potatoes
Oatmeal
Since the medication is a liquid try
Sweet tea
Fruit punch
try making mom a "smoothie". If she drinks that make them small so she is not sipping on it all day since you have to dose her 3 times.
I would make sure to get a culture done to make sure she gets the right antibiotic. My Mom was given a broad spectrum one and she had a bad reaction. Why because it had penicillin in it and hospital records showed she was allergic to it.
Please know that even if you can crush a pill, they are inconceivably bitter, even when mixed in with pudding or applesauce. It may be better to put it in a strong-flavored jelly.