Won’t take Meds

carrots25

Hello, I take care of my mom who has Alzheimer’s. She was diagnosed in 2019 and is in the late stages I believe. We have many many issues these days. She is pretty much nonverbal or her language is a mixed up string of words. She needs help with all daily routines, hygiene, toileting, showering, completely. She needs 24/7 supervision. She spits constantly as she doesn’t always swallow. She is agitated and emotional. Sad to angry. Paces, taps sometimes throws things. Has leg and foot pain. So that’s kind of our back ground. We found a med that relieves her foot pain but also as an added bonus calms her as well and helps with sleeping. It’s called Gabapentin. This helped both of us cope with a lot of these issues. But that only lasted for a couple weeks as our new thing is..she won’t take pills. I have tried them mixed with everything from pudding to honey to pop , applesauce, jelly..I requested a liquid form and tried mixing as well as she would spit it out. She spits pills and liquid forms. I’m at a loss. So now she has her foot pain again and is super restless agitated etc. any ideas?? Sorry this is so long.

towhee

Welcome carrots25. Does she spit out other food and drink or just what has medicine in it? Does she do this with any other medicines?

M1

Welcome to the forum. This isn't a direct answer to your question, but have you thought about a hospice evaluation for her? They might be able to help in all kinds of ways. Including meds that can be given by injection, suppository, or skin patch. You don't need a doctors order, you can call and request evaluation yourself.

Lynn24

My 79 year old mother stopped taking any pill form medications over a year ago. I never mention that t is time to take medication nowadays and use a pill crusher bought from Amazon, to place meds in about 4 ounces of apple juice, twice a day. She will also take medication in strawberry Ensure because it is a favorite. I set bottle of juice on the table and after a few minutes she drinks it.

She is also enrolled in Hospice of which has helped tremendously with finding the correct meds to help with agitation and anger. Hospice doesn’t need any prior authorization, so process moves very quickly to get medications needed.

mary enterkin

Hello. I’m new to this. My DH was just diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and we’re both trying to process it. He’s on arecept now but I was wondering if any of your loved ones are on the new infusions drug to slow the disease. Please tell me what you think about it. Mary