no meds

seeker1951

My DW was diagnosed with dementia of the altzheimer type frontal lobe complicated by depression. The main concern that I have is I do not know how to help her take her meds. When I offer she either becomrs very agitated with the final statement that she is stupid or says she will. She was given 24 amocycilin by a dentist a week ago and there is still 24 pills in the bottle. We have tried home health and she has told the home health aide that she does ot need her service. I am at a loss. Thanks for any careing compassinate advice.

elainechem

I'm so sorry about this. All that I can think of is to crush the pills that you can and mix it in applesauce, pudding, or a smoothie. You can get her liquid antibiotics which will go well in smoothies. For other pills, you have to ask her doctor or the pharmacist which ones can be crushed. If it's a time released pill, it can't be crushed.

seeker1951

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/240030#Comment_240030

thank you I will see what I can do. Good idea. I am going to check with her doc to see what meds and dosage and whether they can be crushed and mixed with something else to disquise them.

Chammer

Are you able to sort her meds in a weekly sorter so you can monitor and ensure she is taking her meds as scheduled?

SDianeL

the pharmacy has pill crushers. I got one for my step dad who had a stroke. The pharmacy will know what pills can be crushed and if they can’t, maybe the doctor can prescribe ones that can. Applesauce with cinnamon or chocolate pudding works best for him but if she likes shakes or smoothies try that. Tell her the aide is for you, not her. You need help with light housekeeping. I told my husband I needed someone to stay with him while I went to the doctor. It worked.

CindiEC

My DH didn’t like puddings or applesauce. I had luck placing crushed meds between two peanut butter crackers.

AShook

It was suggested to me to use a dispenser with an alarm that goes off when it is time to take the medication. The alarm does not stop beeping until you open the dispenser. I have not tried it yet because I don't think my Dad would know what to do with it when it started beeping or if he would actually take the medicine once he opened it. I'm not sure it would help in your situation, but I figured I'd throw it out there. Good luck!

ronda b

Also ice cream and milkshakes are great to hide medication in.

upstateAnn

I crush everything and it in applesaucebornypgurt with pureed fruit.

Carl46

Sometimes I can obtain my wife's cooperation, with meds and various other things, by asking her to help me. I take my meds, and she takes hers, after I ask her to join me in taking meds. If I didn't take meds, I would start, perhaps with a multivitamin.