We use a “pill glass” - a small cordial glass that we put the pills in and leave them beside her plate - bc she’s so fiercely independent - lately we have to put them there wo napkin as she’s begun to hide them… next phase is crushing them…
Just FYI that many pills, when crushed, are incomprehensibly bitter to the point where the taste will be difficult to mask with food. But maybe with her dementia, she won't process it that way and will be willing to eat it.
Any meds that have a time-release component should not be crushed or split. Ask the pharmacist about this.
Can she take her medicine at a different time of day? I've found that many times people with Alzheimer's/dementia that morning is not the best part of the day for them.
The first thing I would do is make sure any medication she is taking is NECESSARY. eliminate what you can. makes it easier on you as well as your wife.
Second, ask the pharmacy what if any can be crushed. Those can be mixed in with food that she likes. Applesauce, pudding, ice cream etc.
Third, any that can not be crushed ask if they come as a liquid (some can be flavored as well) or a patch. Either of these might be easier for her. Apply any patches to an area where she can not get at it to remove it and make sure each patch is removed before the next one is applied. If it is "missing" look all over the body for it they can slip down and attach to another part of the body.
Lastly...if it is a medication that is not a "life saving" medication (meaning if she misses several doses it might be fatal) ((this is the only way to state what is in my head)) If she is resistant don't push it. Pick your battles as to what is important. If she does not want to take the "Aricept" or cholesterol medication is it really going to make a difference? Probably not so don't sweat it.
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bc she’s so fiercely independent -
lately we have to put them there wo napkin as she’s begun to hide them… next phase is crushing them…
Any meds that have a time-release component should not be crushed or split. Ask the pharmacist about this.
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BarbBrooklyn 7/30/23
First, thank you for your service...
The first thing I would do is make sure any medication she is taking is NECESSARY. eliminate what you can. makes it easier on you as well as your wife.
Second, ask the pharmacy what if any can be crushed. Those can be mixed in with food that she likes. Applesauce, pudding, ice cream etc.
Third, any that can not be crushed ask if they come as a liquid (some can be flavored as well) or a patch. Either of these might be easier for her. Apply any patches to an area where she can not get at it to remove it and make sure each patch is removed before the next one is applied. If it is "missing" look all over the body for it they can slip down and attach to another part of the body.
Lastly...if it is a medication that is not a "life saving" medication (meaning if she misses several doses it might be fatal) ((this is the only way to state what is in my head))
If she is resistant don't push it. Pick your battles as to what is important. If she does not want to take the "Aricept" or cholesterol medication is it really going to make a difference? Probably not so don't sweat it.