Do any of you have a parent with dementia that needs depression meds, but refuses to take them?

I find some people are very hesitant to take any new meds. They become overly concerned about side effects. The television commercials don’t help. For some reason they believe they will have all of the side effects and become fearful.

Yes, side effects can happen with meds. Then it’s time to discuss it and possibly switch to another drug.

I also feel that some people don’t wait the proper amount of time to adjust to a new medication.

Has your mom been prescribed meds and won't take them? Or is she refusing to see or talk to the doctor about her depression and sadness?

My mom refused antidepressants although the geriatric psychiatrist she was seeing strongly recommended them.

Then she had a stroke. Part of the post stroke medication protocol was antidepressant medication, which I agreed to as her health care proxy. I don't think mom ever knew that she was on them.

Just as sometimes we need to wait for a fall or serious illness to get our loved ones placed in a long term facility, you may need to wait for an opportunity to get her on the right meds.

I would talk to her doctor about how to manage this.

Tell them the doctor wants them to take it. Or if you take it, I'll give you ice cream etc.
It is sad that they refuse things that can help them