Medicine refusal

mtpom3

My mother has dementia, which has now become more serious with delusions and not recognizing her children and other close relatives. For 3 months following a hip replacement operation she was incapable of doing most daily activities and has had the help of a live-in caregiver for basic things like changing her diaper or bathing. During the last week she has begun refusing her medicines, refusing the caregiver's request to bathe her or help her in the bathroom, and otherwise asserting her independence. How can we get her to accept her medicines and other assistance without forcing her against her will?

SDianeL

It’s the disease and common. She’s not asserting her independence because that would require reasoning. I would put her medicine in applesauce or pudding. You can try promising a treat after shower. That may or may not work. If not, try sponge bathing with warm no water cloths. Search for them online. Memory care facilities use them. I saw a video online that showed how to help with toileting. Leave the door open a bit, then go in with something in your hand like a roll of tissue. Then offer to help. I’ll try to find the video.

SDianeL

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mIqmdXgVGOw

mtpom3

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/243711#Comment_243711

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/243711#Comment_243711

Thank you so much!